Poker is a card game that involves betting and raising, putting chips into the pot (representing money) to win a hand. It can be played with one or more cards dealt to each player, and the players aim to make the best five-card hand using their own two cards and the community cards. Often, players will bluff, making their opponents believe they have strong hands when they actually don’t. The ability to read the tells of your opponent is an important part of the game, and can be a powerful advantage.
A good poker writer will know the game well, with knowledge of its various variants and the rules that govern each one. They should be able to describe the action at the table with detail, including telling details like how each player reacts to the cards and bets placed in their turn. They should also be able to write in a style that engages the reader, and avoids being overly technical or dry.
When writing an article about poker, it’s important to decide what kind of story you want to tell. Personal anecdotes are often the most interesting to readers, and details about other players’ behavior can also be compelling. It’s also helpful to keep a file of poker hands that are relevant to the subject matter, whether they are hands you have played or from another source. This will serve as a reference when you are writing the article.