> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pokerdao.gitbook.io/knowledge/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pokerdao.gitbook.io/knowledge/the-tech/tech-overview.md).

# Tech overview

<figure><img src="https://3879009020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FyNmqK2sjo47swFEe3Rdu%2Fuploads%2FWr1klzWx6ADiShzU4S3U%2F01.png?alt=media&amp;token=489a8d7b-a3a5-4446-b54b-4a591c4ebe34" alt=""><figcaption><p>Overview of the PokerDAO Protocol</p></figcaption></figure>

PokerDAO draws upon a select group of blockchain technologies to power our mental poker solutions. The protocol runs on the Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM), which runs as a Layer 2 system on the EVM, reducing gas fees to between 1% and 10% of typical Ethereum network fees and improving efficiency. This layer handles all transactions during a hand of poker – from deposits and betting to payout – using smart contracts.

The encryption and all card interactions (drawing, folding, and revealing) are handled by a dApp, which users can interact with through a user-friendly web interface. Card encryption utilizes elliptic-curve cryptography. The dApp manages all non-transactional game actions, relaying outcomes to the OVM protocol layer, which are then evaluated according to the terms of the smart contract. Smart contracts are implemented according to the ERC-20 standard, which facilitates using all ERC-20 compatible tokens.