Poker is a card game in which players wager money against one another. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the total of all bets made in a single hand. Players may call (match) the bet, raise it, or fold. A player may also bluff by betting that they have a good hand when they do not. The game is played in casinos, private homes, poker clubs, and over the internet. It is considered to be the national card game of the United States, and its rules and jargon are widely known.
While it is not possible to completely remove the element of luck from poker, it can be mitigated. Beginners are advised to start at the lowest limits available. This will allow them to play a number of hands and practice their skills without spending too much money. When the time comes to move up the stakes, a bankroll should be established that allows the player to buy-in and play at that level without losing too much money.