Poker is a card game played between 2 or more players and involves betting on the strength of your hand. It has many variants, but all use cards and chips.

Some games require players to put money in the pot before their cards are dealt, called blind bets. These bets can replace the ante or be in addition to it. Players must raise or call a bet to remain in the round.

The player to the left of the dealer has the first opportunity to open betting, which means they can increase the amount that everyone has to match. Then, other players may choose to call or raise the bet. A player can also fold, letting go of their cards and forfeiting that round.

As a writer, it’s important to understand the mechanics of the game, but you need to keep in mind that the best poker stories are not about the cards, but about the people at the table and their reactions to the cards they have. It is often the small things, like who flinched or smiled that can give a reader a real sense of what’s going on at the table.

It’s helpful to keep a file of hands that relate to the subject matter you’re writing about. These can be hands you’ve played or ones you’ve read about. Also, be sure to practice your craft by taking risks in low-stakes games and building up your comfort level with risk-taking.