Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world. It has a long history and a number of variations. It is believed to have originated in the United States, where it gained popularity after the Civil War. The game has since spread worldwide. In addition to playing at home and in casinos, the game is also played online. There is a growing interest in the sport in India, as well. Many new online poker sites are popping up in the country, and a new league on the lines of IPL will debut this May.

There are a wide range of players in the game, from the recreational player who thinks nothing of losing money as long as he can have fun, to the hard-core nit who holds onto every chip for dear life. In order to succeed, a player must be able to read his opponent and put him on a range of hands. Only then can he hope to make the right decision most of the time.

While professional poker players use a variety of tools to help them exploit and protect themselves, it all comes down to self-honesty. It does no good to learn correct strategy, study hand histories or buy fancy software if you’re not going to use it when it counts. It is also vital to understand why you play the game in the first place – to socialize, for money or as a way of asserting yourself.