Poker is a card game that can be played by two to seven players. It is typically played with a full 52-card English deck and can include wild cards. The game is primarily a table game, and players are expected to place an initial amount into the pot before cards are dealt. These forced bets come in the form of antes, blinds or bring-ins.
The game has a variety of rules, depending on the specific game. Some games use different number of cards and suit order, but the basic elements remain the same. The object of the game is to create a winning poker hand by using the two cards in your hand and the five community cards on the table. Depending on the rules of the game, players may draw replacement cards for their empty hands during or after a betting round.
A player can choose to raise a previous bet by saying “raise” or a similar phrase. This is done to increase the size of the betting pool and make it more difficult for other players to call your bet.
When writing scenes in a poker game, focus less on the cards and more on the reactions of the players. It’s important that your characters react to the cards in a way that’s true to their character and personality. Also, try to avoid overwriting with details like flinches, smiles and groans. This can feel gimmicky and slow the pace of your scene.