Poker is a card game in which players place chips (representing money) into the pot during betting intervals, in order to win the hand. Usually the highest ranked hand wins. The player with the best hand can also win by bluffing, in which case their hole cards remain hidden from the other players.

To be a good poker player, you need discipline and perseverance. The game can be boring or frustrating, and you have to resist the temptation to make bad calls or ill-advised bluffs. You also need to commit to smart game selection and limits, as well as have the bankroll to support that commitment over time.

Another aspect of the game that makes it attractive to millions of readers is its history and lore. The game has been around for centuries, and it’s easy to find stories of famous hands and legendary players. You can learn a lot about the game by reading these histories and legends. However, it’s important to remember that not all of these stories are true, and many of them were fabricated by authors for entertainment purposes. You should always research your topics before writing about them. Also, you should have top-notch writing skills to write about this subject matter. A good poker book should be interesting and informative, with lots of anecdotes that help bring the topic to life. It should also include information about the rules of the game and how to play it.