Official poker is a card game in which individuals compete for a sum of chips contributed by each player (the pot). Players attempt to control the amount of money they contribute based on their predictions about what their opponents will do. Throughout history, many different games of poker have been played. The most famous is probably Texas hold’em, which became popular in the 2000s and replaced seven-card stud as the dominant form of poker in casinos and on television.

Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves skill and deception. While the rules of poker are generally agreed upon, disagreements sometimes arise over specific situations and how they should be handled. Disputes are typically resolved by a supervisor, such as a floorperson or shift supervisor.

Most casinos use a standard 52-card pack, with one or two jokers. Poker chips are usually white with a blue or red stripe. They are available in several denominations. In high stakes games, a special rectangular chip called a plaque is used to indicate the amount of money at risk. These chips are heavier and more distinct than regular poker chips.

Casinos often have separate poker rooms for cash and tournament games. During tournament play, players buy in for a fixed amount that doesn’t always correspond with the number of their starting chips. Tournaments may be played for real cash or a tournament prize pool. In the latter case, the prize pool is redistributed to players based on their position in the tournament.