Poker is a card game in which players place bets into the pot (pot = money pool) in order to win. It is considered a game of chance, but it can also involve a great deal of skill and psychology.

A player may choose to call a bet, raise it, or fold his or her cards. If a player raises, the other players must decide to call it or raise it further. A player can also bluff to get his or her opponents to raise their own bets.

In most games, players must place an initial amount into the pot before they are dealt cards. This is called an ante or blind bet, and it can change the odds of winning a hand.

After the ante and blind bets are placed, the dealer deals the cards. Each player receives two distinct pairs of cards and a fifth card, which is known as the high card. The highest hand wins the pot. Tie hands are broken by examining the second highest hand, then the third highest, and so on.

When betting comes around to you, say “call” if you want to make a bet equal to the last player’s bet. If you want to increase the size of your bet, say “raise.” Keep in mind that your cards must remain face up on the table at all times to be eligible for betting. Hiding your cards or keeping them hidden in your lap is not permitted, and will likely annoy the other players.