Poker is a card game where players bet on the chances of winning a hand. There are many variations of poker, but most involve 2 to 14 players and a single dealer. The object is to win the pot, which is the total amount of bets made in a deal. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot. If no one has a high-ranking hand, the pot is shared amongst all players who participated in that round.
Before betting begins, each player is dealt two cards face-down (hidden from the other players). These are called a hole or pocket. Each player must then choose whether to check, call or raise. When you check, you pass the opportunity to open a bet to the next player. When you call, you must raise a bet or fold your cards.
While poker is a game of chance, it requires a significant level of skill and psychological nuances to succeed. This complexity lends itself to an endless array of metaphors and parallels that can be drawn between the game and life in general. In fact, poker can even serve as a valuable tool for creative writers who are looking to craft engaging narratives. For example, the idea of a poker face can be used as a powerful symbol for characters who conceal their true intentions, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to a story.