Poker is a card game in which players wager money on the outcome of the hand according to the rules of the specific game. Despite its reputation for being a game of chance, poker is also considered a skill-based game. Its popularity has increased greatly since the turn of the millennium, with televised games and tournament play increasing interest in the game worldwide. The game can be played socially for pennies or professionally for thousands of dollars. It is believed to have originated in the sixteenth century as a bluffing game.
While poker rules may vary, many of the same general principles apply to all games. In most cases, each player is dealt two cards face down (hole cards). Betting is usually started by the player sitting to the left of the button (the token used to indicate a nominal dealer to determine order of betting). Each player has the option to call (match the amount of the big blind), fold or raise.
In addition, most poker games use chips to indicate bet amounts instead of dollars. These chips are commonly made from clay or plastic and come in a range of colors that represent different values. The use of chips is intended to create consistency in game play and to allow security systems to better monitor betting action. The International Poker Federation has compiled a set of official poker rules that are recommended for adoption in casinos and card rooms.