Poker is a card game played between two or more players. Its history is obscure, but it most likely evolved from the English game three-card brag and the French game brelan, both of which incorporated bluffing. Other games like backgammon and cribbage also influenced its development.

Each player buys in for a set amount of chips, which represent money. The first player to the left of the button (the position just above the dealer) has the privilege or obligation to open betting, putting chips into the pot that his opponents must match or fold. Each successive player has the option to call, raise, or check. If a player calls or raises, he puts additional chips into the pot that his opponent must match or forfeit his hand.

If a player has a good hand, he can win the entire pot. A full house is made up of three cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank, while a straight is five consecutive cards of the same suit. A pair is two cards of the same rank, while a single unmatched card is called a jack or the low card.

The best way to make a poker game interesting is by focusing on the players’ reactions, such as who flinches or smiles. Then you can describe the ensuing action and drama. Alternatively, you can focus on the by-play between the players: who bluffed, who checked, who folded.