Poker is a card game in which players place bets to win. It is a game of chance and skill, but the application of skill can eliminate the element of chance and increase a player’s chances of winning.
Before the cards are dealt, each player must make forced bets, called an ante or blind bet. When it is a player’s turn, he or she may choose to call the bet by placing chips in the pot that are equal to the amount placed there by the player before him; raise the bet by increasing the number of chips he or she places in the pot; or fold his or her hand and forfeit any bets.
Once the dealer has shuffled and cut the cards, each player receives five cards. A betting round follows, and then the last card is placed on the table, called the river. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot, including all bets made during each of the previous betting rounds.
When describing the action in your poker scene, focus most of your attention on the players’ reactions to the cards that are played and their by-play with each other. This will add a layer of tension to your scene and help the reader feel like they are sitting at the table with you, watching their reactions to each card that is revealed.