Poker is a card game of skill, luck, and social interaction. It can be played in glitzy casinos, seedy dives, and even online. While there are many different poker games, there are some basic rules that apply to all of them.

A good poker hand is one that offers the highest probability of winning. That usually means a pair of high cards (like kings) or a straight. But even the best hand can be ruined by poor luck on the board. For this reason, you should always try to fold the hands that offer the lowest odds of victory, like a face card paired with a low card or unsuited pair.

After the cards are dealt, players bet in turns, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. If you have a strong hand and want to raise the stakes, say “raise” to increase your bet amount by the same amount as the last player to act.

Position is important in poker because it gives you more information about your opponents’ actions. This helps you identify bluffs more easily. Also, it allows you to make stronger value bets when you have a good hand. Reading your opponents is a huge part of poker strategy, and it’s easier than you might think. It’s not just about subtle physical poker tells, though; most of the reads come from patterns. A player who is betting all the time probably has crappy cards, for instance.