Poker is a card game played by two or more players. It is a game of chance and skill, with the best players winning the most money over the long run. The game can be played at home, in casinos, and on online sites. It has many themes, including bluffing, gambling, and paying off debts and rescues. Some games involve romance, kidnapping, and even murder.
In a betting interval, each player can either call a bet (put into the pot at least as many chips as the amount of the bet) or raise it. If a player does not have enough chips to call, they must “drop” (fold) and cannot play in the next betting interval.
One of the key skills in poker is being able to read other players, and this includes their tells. This means studying their eye movements, idiosyncrasies, and betting behavior. It also means understanding the game theory behind their decisions. For example, a player who calls your bets often and then makes a large raise is likely holding a high-value hand.
If you are planning to write a book on poker, there are several things to keep in mind. First, decide what you want to focus on. Then, start keeping a file of hands that are relevant to your subject matter. This will help you build a library of examples that will make your book more interesting to read. Lastly, be sure to include some personal anecdotes and experiences.