Poker is a game of chance that requires skill to minimize losses with poor hands and maximize winnings with good ones. It is played with chips as currency in a variety of settings, including home games, casino or cardroom events, and even video poker machines. Chips are standardized in denominations and colors to indicate their value. A basic set of poker chips typically includes white, red, blue, and black, although higher-stakes tournaments may use more color variations.
The rules of official poker vary by jurisdiction, but in general all players must respect the dealer and other players at the table. This means acting responsibly, paying attention to what is happening at the table, and refraining from distracting behaviors such as using electronic devices or talking loudly at the table. Players must also avoid taking too much time with their actions, as this can be disruptive to the flow of the game and is considered disrespectful to other players. If a player is taking too much time with their action, it is the responsibility of other players to call the clock on them.
Before the cards are dealt, some poker games require players to contribute a forced bet, called an ante. This money is placed into the pot before the cards are dealt, and it can be used to cover any raises or to pay for food and drinks if needed. Generally, any chips in the pot that are not raised are “cut” and returned to the players who own them. The remaining chips are deposited into a shared fund, or kitty, which can be used to purchase new decks of cards and other supplies for the poker game.