Official poker refers to the game of poker, as played by players who have agreed to abide by the rules established for the game. These rules are intended to protect the game from misunderstandings, ensure fair play, and maintain the integrity of the game.

The game is available in a wide variety of formats, from small-stakes games to high-stakes tournaments. In addition, the game has spawned several variants and spinoffs, each with their own unique rules.

There are thousands of poker tournaments held throughout the world each year. Some have international appeal and attract the best players in the game, while others feature a more local or regional audience. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the most prestigious tournament in the world, having been around since 1970. The event attracts players from all over the world and features a variety of different events with varying buy-ins, with the Main Event being the highlight.

The best online poker sites offer a safe and secure environment for players. This includes a number of responsible gambling tools, such as the ability to set spending limits or to only play at tables with capped blinds. Reputable poker sites also have multiple banking options and use accepted, mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods. Most state-approved online poker operators have casino partnerships and are regularly inspected and approved by gaming commissions, which adds to player safety. They also offer a variety of payout options, including paper checks and cash payouts at their casino partner’s cashier cages.