Poker is a card game that can be played by two or more people. Players place an initial amount of money into the pot before being dealt cards. This is called the ante. Depending on the poker variant, players can also raise or fold their hands during the betting phase.
To begin playing poker, you must learn the rules and etiquette of the game. These guidelines will ensure that you are treated fairly by your fellow players and dealers. In addition, they will help you avoid common mistakes that can destroy your chances of winning.
Once you have the basics down, you can start learning more advanced concepts and poker lingo. You will also need to understand how starting hands and position influence your decision-making during the game. Practice by playing low-stakes games to minimize financial risk and build your experience.
When a round of betting is complete, the dealer will reveal their hand and players will take turns revealing theirs. If a player decides to not show their hand, they forfeit any bets that they have made. If they do reveal their hand, they must choose whether to hit (get another card) or stay (keep the cards they have).
If a player wants to raise the bet on their current hand, they can say “call.” This means that they will put up the same amount as the player to their left, or more if they think they have a strong hand.