The game of Poker is a card game of skill and chance. It involves betting among several players in rounds and a showdown. The player with the highest hand wins.

A dealer is responsible for shuffling the cards and dealing them to each player. The dealer is usually a player but can be a non-player as well. A dealer chip is used to designate the dealer for each round. Some poker games have a fixed dealer for the entire tournament, while others rotate the responsibility to different players after each round.

Before the deal, each player must make forced bets – these are called “ante” or “blind” bets (depending on the variation). Players then receive their cards, and each player has the right to raise, call or fold his or her hands. When a player’s bet amounts to exactly the same amount as the previous player, that player is said to have “called” the bet.

It’s important to remember that poker etiquette requires respect for your fellow players at the table. Chatting with other players, especially when it’s not your turn to act, can disrupt the flow of a hand and give away important information. You should also avoid talking with the dealer, even if it’s just to ask a question, as this is considered poor form and could result in a penalty for you. Complaining about bad beats is also not a good idea, as it can spoil the fun for everyone at the table.