Poker chips are small discs that are used to represent money in a poker game. They are typically made of clay or ceramic, but can also be made of metal, plastic, or other materials. Each chip is worth a specific amount of money, and the total value of the chips in play represents the total amount of money in the pot.

In a poker game, there are usually limits on how much money can be bet or raised during a single round of betting. These limits are known as the “stakes” of the game. The stakes can be expressed in several ways, including the “small blind” and “big blind,” which are forced bets that must be made by certain players before the cards are dealt, and the “minimum bet” and “maximum bet,” which are the minimum and maximum amounts that a player can bet or raise during a single round of betting.

For example, in a $1/$2 No Limit Hold’em game, the small blind is $1, the big blind is $2, and the minimum bet is $2 (equal to the big blind). There is no maximum bet, so players are free to bet as much as they want, as long as they have the chips to cover their bets.

Poker chips and limits are an important aspect of the game, as they help to structure the betting and keep the game organized. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone who wants to learn how to play poker.