Poker is a card game in which players compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by all players (called the pot). A number of variants of poker exist, some with fewer cards than others, but all involve betting and a showdown. The highest hand wins the pot. Poker is a game of chance, but also a skill-based game in which the best players make strategic decisions. In addition, it is a social activity in which the players interact with one another and form friendships or rivalries.

In poker, each player has two private cards that are hidden from other players and five community cards that are revealed to all players. The rank of a poker hand is determined by its odds (probability), and any ties are broken by the highest unmatched cards or pairs (in a full house or straight flush).

To begin the game, each player makes a forced bet, called an ante or blind bet, from their own chips. Then, the dealer shuffles a deck of cards and offers them to the player on their right for a cut. This player must cut if they want to remain in the game. Then the player to their left begins the first of what may be several rounds of betting.

During the betting phase, players can change their bets by raising or folding their cards. Players can also discard their own cards and take new ones from the top of the deck if they wish. This allows them to create a better poker hand.

A successful poker strategy depends on being able to read the other players at the table and predict how they will act. This requires a keen understanding of non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body posture, and the way in which they handle their chips. Many professional poker players use this information to gain a competitive advantage by building behavioral dossiers on their opponents and buying records of other players’ “hand histories”.

After the initial betting phase, three more cards are dealt face up on the table. These are called the flop and they are used by all players to build their poker hands. A good strategy in this phase involves analyzing the other players’ hands and the community cards to determine your best possible poker hand.

When your opponent raises a bet, you can call his or her bet by saying “call” or “I call.” Or you can fold your cards and remove yourself from the betting circle by saying “fold.” This is usually the best option if you have a weak hand and don’t think you can win. But don’t be afraid to play your cards — you may surprise the other players with a good bluff.