Poker is a card game that involves betting and strategy. It is played in many different variations, but there are some things all of them have in common. Players put up a certain amount of money, called chips, before they begin playing. This is called the buy-in. The players that have the most chips at the end of the game win the pot. There are also a number of ways to win without showing your hand, such as bluffing.
The game starts with two cards dealt to each player. Then there is a round of betting, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. After the betting has finished, three more cards are dealt face up on the table – this is called the “flop”. This changes the relative strengths of the hands dramatically.
A final card is dealt face up – this is called the “river”. The river makes it possible to make a winning poker hand with only five cards.
Poker became more popular in the early 21st century, partly because of the invention of the hole-card camera that made it possible to follow the action and drama of the game on television. This, combined with the rise of online poker and professional tournaments, helped turn poker into a spectator sport.
If your partner has concerns about you playing poker, it is important to listen to them and understand their motivations. This will help you work through the issue together.