Official poker is a card game in which players compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by all participants (called the pot). Each player must act on the basis of the cards they hold and their prediction as to what other players may hold. This is what distinguishes poker from other vying games, and makes bluffing possible.

The rules of poker are usually agreed upon by a group of players called a poker club. Some clubs are informal, while others have structured operations. The goal of a poker club is to increase the skill level of its members by providing regular instruction and practice. The club may also sponsor tournaments or participate in charitable events.

Before a hand of poker begins, the dealer shuffles and cuts a deck of cards. Then the dealer deals each player two cards, known as hole cards. The players then decide whether to bet or fold their hands. The next step is when the dealer draws three cards and places them face-up on the table, which is called the flop. The players then decide to call, raise or fold again.

A hand of poker is played in rounds, with each round having a specific betting limit. At the end of a round, the player with the best hand takes the pot. In some cases, a player who is behind in the betting will decide to move all in for their remaining chips. This is referred to as a chop.