Poker is a card game played between two or more players. It is traditionally a game of chance, but strategy and etiquette are also important elements. There are many different poker games, but all share some underlying rules. These include how hands are ranked and the betting structures used. The game also has specific etiquette rules, including the requirement to maintain good card and chip visibility and countability. The rules of poker are managed by the International Federation of Poker (FIDPA).

Despite its current popularity, there is no definitive history of poker. The term “poker” appears to have first appeared in English in 1836, though the game may be even older. The word is likely derived from the French poque, which itself is probably related to pochen, an Old East Slavic card game with unclear ties to the Chinese cards that arrived in Europe at least a century earlier.

A standard deck of 52 cards is used in poker, and there are four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. The rank of each card is determined by its suit, and the ace is high. Some games also allow jokers to act as wild cards.

A licensed charitable organization may conduct poker activity on no more than two occasions per year. A minimum of two players must participate in each session, and the players are required to make forced bets before the dealer deals. In addition, players must be at least 21 years of age to play.