Whether you are playing online, in a real casino, or at your local bar or club, Poker is a gambling game played with a group of people around an oval or circular table. The goal of the game is to build the best hand possible and win the pot. You may win by bluffing, by betting a lot, or by not betting at all.

The game is played with a 52-card deck of English cards. The dealer, who is usually not a player, shuffles the deck and passes out a certain number of cards, usually five.

After each round of dealing, a betting interval occurs. Players can check or call. When all players check, betting is stopped. The player who checked is said to “stay in” and is responsible for the pot. If all players call, play moves to the next round.

If all players call, the player who was the first to make a bet is said to be the “first bettor.” When the first bettor has bet the minimum, players are free to call, fold, or raise.

Players can also pass. If a player passes, it means that he or she is no longer interested in playing and is dropping out of the pot. The other players in the pot are free to make a new bet.

If a player is forced to make a bet, it is called a forced bet. This is usually the minimum bet that is required to play.