The card game Poker is played with a minimum of two players and up to 14 (or more in some games). Each player places chips into the pot, representing money, at the end of each betting interval as determined by the rules of the specific poker variant being played. A white chip is worth the lowest amount, usually one bet; a red chip is worth five whites; and blue chips are worth 10 or more whites.

Once all the players are ready to continue, the dealer shuffles and cuts the cards into two groups. One group will be used as the dealer’s hand, and the other for each player’s hands. Then the players place their cards face up in the center of the table and the first player to the left of the button begins the betting by raising or calling.

Keep in mind that even good hands can lose to a bad board. An ace on the flop can spell disaster for pocket kings or queens, especially if there are several other high cards on the board. If you are holding these strong hands, it’s important to play them smartly and to consider the entire board before making any decisions on future streets.

You should also learn to read other players and watch for tells. These aren’t just the subtle physical signs, such as fiddling with a ring or a set of chips, but also the way a player plays. For example, if an opponent who usually calls raises their bets regularly it’s likely that they have a solid poker hand.