Ep 18. The One With All The Poker

In Friends season 1 episode 18, titled "The One With All The Poker," the gang decides to have a game night of poker. The episode starts with Rachel getting a promotion at Central Perk, but she still feels unfulfilled and decides to move out of Monica's apartment to prove to herself that she can make it on her own.

Meanwhile, the guys are playing poker and Chandler starts losing badly. He gets annoyed and decides to bow out of the game altogether, leaving the three remaining players (Ross, Joey, and Monica) to continue. As the game progresses, Monica begins to feel left out and decides to join the game, despite knowing nothing about poker.

Throughout the episode, tensions rise as the players try to read each other's hands and bluff their way to victory. Joey, who is known for his love of gambling, becomes very invested in the game, while Ross becomes increasingly serious as he tries to beat Monica.

The episode also has several humorous subplots. Phoebe teaches Chandler how to give a heartfelt apology to his ex-girlfriend Janice, while Rachel struggles to adjust to her new living arrangements and attempts to assemble a piece of furniture on her own.

Ultimately, the game of poker brings the friends closer together, as they share stories and learn more about each other while playing. The episode ends with a surprising turn of events that shakes up the dynamics of the group and sets the stage for future episodes.