Poker is a game of cards where players attempt to form the best hand, based on the ranking of cards, to win the pot at the end of each betting round. Players make forced bets, called “blind” or “ante” bets, into a common pool, called the “pot,” before being dealt their cards.

The game is played with poker chips, and each player has a particular amount of money that they are allowed to spend on bets during the course of the game. Each chip has a different color and value, with white being the lowest value and red being the highest. Usually, the first player to act will place a bet of at least one white chip into the pot. The dealer will then deal each player a set number of cards, depending on the game variant being played.

When it is your turn to act, you can say “call” if you wish to raise the previous player’s bet. If you want to fold, simply pass on your turn and wait for the next player to bet.

To be a good poker player, you need to have excellent card skills and the ability to read your opponents, including their tells. In addition, you need to be able to control your emotions and resist the temptation to call bad hands or bluff when you have good ones. You also need to be willing to suffer through terrible luck and countless bad beats while still staying patient, focused and disciplined.