What is Poker rake ?

Basic explanation of what poker rake is.

Hi Cardmates 

I would like to here your thoughts on poker rake and how it effects or thought about before you play at a poker site.

Poker rake varies from tournament to cash games and differs from provider to provider.

Here is a basic explanation:

Poker rake is a small commission fee taken by a cardroom that is operating a poker game.

Online poker sites take a rake to cover their operating costs, including customer support, software maintenance and development, server costs, and the various other staff employed by the site that keeps everything running smoothly.

The revenue generated from taking a rake is also used to fund the multiple promotions an online poker site offers its customers.

Do you think having a better understanding of rake is beneficial for your poker game/career.