Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games. It has a long history, and there is a great deal of psychology and skill involved in the game.

Players are dealt 2 cards that are hidden from other players (called their hole or pocket) and then 5 community cards are dealt. Each player then aims to make the best 5-card hand using their own 2 cards and the community cards. A good way to do this is by bluffing, where you bet that you have a good hand even though you don’t. If you are able to convince your opponents that your bluff is strong enough, then they will usually call your bet and you’ll win the pot.

Each player must place an amount of money into the pot before being dealt cards. This is called the ante or blind. There are also rules for how this money is shared after the game is over.

When it’s your turn to act, you must either call the bet made by the person before you or raise it. You can also choose to fold if you don’t think your hand is strong enough. If you say “call” you have to match the bet that was made and put your own chips into the pot. If you say “check” you are not raising the bet and must stay silent until it’s your turn again. If you check, then you cannot win the pot.