Poker is a card game that involves betting on the cards in a hand. This is a gambling game and has some strategic elements, but the majority of the game is based on luck and chance.
In a poker game, players are dealt 2 hole cards and there is a round of betting after each card is revealed by the dealer. The first player to act puts in a bet called the blind bet and then each player must call it or raise it in turn. Players can also check (pass on the action and pass to the next player) if they do not want to make a bet.
After each betting interval has ended, the fifth and final card is dealt face up. A final round of betting occurs before a showdown is played where each remaining player shows their cards and the best hand wins the pot.
The key to writing well about poker is focusing on the people involved and their reactions. The by-play of the game is what makes it interesting and the telling details like who flinched or smiled is where the drama is. In addition, a good poker writer needs to have a strong grasp of the rules and strategy of the game. The best way to achieve this is to read extensively and participate in live poker games whenever possible. This will help you develop a deep understanding of how to read players and their tells.