The Basics of Poker

The game of poker dates back to the 17th century, but its roots are a bit seedier. Its name originated from a slang term used by card hustlers to cheat their unsuspecting opponents. The word “poke” may have been a nod to card hustlers’ slang for cards, and the “r” was added to confuse players who knew the slang. Regardless of its origin, poker has become one of the most popular games in the world.

In most games of poker, chips are used. Chips are usually dealt in sets of five. The lowest-valued chip is the white chip. The red chip is worth five whites, and the blue chip is worth two, four, or five reds. Players “buy in” by purchasing poker chips. If there are more than seven players, a dealer must supply poker chips. The amount of chips a player buys in usually equals the amount they bet.

During each betting round, players may check their hands. To fold, players must turn all their cards face down. If another player has already bet more than the minimum, they must raise their own stakes. A game of poker can be referred to as a “casino”.