The game of poker is a card game for two to fourteen players with a goal of winning a pot. The pot is the sum of all bets made during a single deal, and may be won by having a high-ranking hand or by making a bet that no other player calls. There are many different forms of poker, and each one has its own rules. Most forms of poker are played with chips, which represent a dollar amount and make it easier to stack, count, keep track of, and change the value of a bet.

After each player receives his or her two hole cards, a round of betting begins. Each player may choose to check (pass on betting), bet, or raise the bet by a specified amount. Players can also fold, discarding their cards and leaving the table.

During a betting round, additional cards are revealed in the center of the table, called the “flop.” If the flop makes your hand weaker, you can say, “check” and let the next player act. If the flop is good for your hand, you can raise the bet and force other players to call your bet or fold.

By mutual agreement, players may establish a special fund, called the kitty. This fund is used to pay for new decks of cards and other expenses, such as food or drinks. Depending on the game, players may also use it to buy back into the game.