Poker is a card game in which players make bets against each other by putting chips (representing money) into the pot. The rules of poker vary from one variant to the next, but most share the same basic concepts. A player’s position at the table is important, because it influences which hands they should play. In addition, a player must understand hand rankings and basic rules, such as the difference between a Straight and a Flush.

When learning poker, a good starting point is to observe experienced players and how they play the game. Watching other players will help you develop quick instincts, which are essential to success at poker. As you learn more about poker, you can start opening your betting ranges and mix up your play.

Before the cards are dealt, players must place a forced bet into the pot, called an ante or blind bet. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to each player, beginning with the player on the button (a token, usually a white plastic disk) in a casino or the player to his left in casual play. The player on the button then has the option to call, raise, or fold the hand.

After the deal, each player’s hands “develop” through a series of betting intervals, depending on the particular variant being played. At the end of each betting round, all bets are gathered into a central pot.

As a beginner, it’s essential to remember that poker is a game of chance, and no matter how well you play, you will lose some hands. Don’t let this deter you from continuing to play and improve your skills. Instead, view every loss as a learning experience.

Another important aspect of poker is learning how to read your opponents. This includes observing their tells, such as their eye movements, idiosyncrasies, and betting behavior. For example, if a player who frequently calls suddenly makes a large raise, it’s likely that they are holding an impressive hand.

If you have a premium opening hand, such as a pair of Kings or Queens, bet aggressively. This will force other players to think twice about calling your bets and can make them fold a better hand than they would have otherwise.