Poker is a card game that involves betting and bluffing in an attempt to win. It has hundreds (if not thousands) of variations, but the game follows a general pattern and each player aims to make the strongest five card hand possible.

The cards are dealt face down to each player, with the exception of one which is turned up on the flop and another on the turn. After everyone has received their two hole cards, a round of betting commences. Players can choose to ‘call’, which means they match the amount staked by the player to their left, or ‘raise’, which increases the opening bet and challenges other players to either call or re-raise.

Once all the players have called or raised, a final card is revealed on the river. This can make or break the best poker hand. The winner is the player who holds a good hand or can force their opponents to surrender through sheer tenacity and courage.

Poker’s intricate mosaic of strategies and psychological nuances provide a rich source of metaphor for creative writing. Its inherent unpredictability mirrors the twists and turns of a compelling narrative. Moreover, it teaches us to be comfortable with risk-taking and not shy away from the challenge of trying to achieve our goals.