Poker is a card game in which the twin elements of luck and skill are combined. Its history dates back centuries, and it continues to be a popular pastime for millions of people both online and off. The rules of the game vary depending on the game and the number of players, but the basic principles remain the same: Each player aims to win the pot, which is all of the bets placed during one betting interval. This is done by having the highest poker hand after all cards have been dealt.

The most important thing to remember when writing about poker is that the game’s appeal lies in the way it makes you think about luck and uncertainty. This is why so many writers are drawn to it. A good poker story is not just about the cards, but also about the reaction of the players to them. It is about the telling details – who flinched, who smiled and who didn’t blink.

If you want to write an article about poker, the first step is to decide what kind of story you want to tell. Personal anecdotes are usually the most interesting to readers, but it is important that your article be well written and contain a certain degree of theory. It is also a good idea to keep a file of poker hands that are relevant to your subject matter, either from your own experience or from another source.