Poker is a card game where you compete against other players to form the highest ranking hand. The highest hand wins the pot at the end of the game which is the sum total of all bets placed during the betting rounds. The main goal is to make a high ranking hand based on the cards you have and by out-witting your opponents.

You can learn a lot about Poker by playing against more experienced players and observing how they play. A good player will know how to read a table and will be able to quickly identify their own mistakes as well as exploit those of their opponents.

There are many different ways to play Poker and each game is unique, but all top players share several common traits. These include the ability to read other players, develop quick instincts and have a strong understanding of odds and probability.

Top players also fast-play their strong hands, which is a great way to build the pot and chase off any other players waiting for a draw that can beat their hand. It is easy to see why the commentators gush when a legend of the game lays down a three-of-a-kind or a low straight.

A full house is made up of 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A flush is five cards of consecutive ranks in the same suit. A straight is five cards in sequence but they can be from different suits. Two pair is made up of two sets of matching cards.