Poker is a card game that can be played by two or more players. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum of all the bets placed during one deal. A player can win the pot by having a high-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no other players call. There are many different poker variants, but they all share the same fundamental rules.
The game begins with the players placing a bet called an ante. This is mandatory and helps to fund the pot. Then the cards are dealt, face down to each player. Each player then has a chance to decide whether they want to stay in or fold their hand.
After the initial rounds of betting, the dealer deals the flop. This is a community set of cards and there is another round of betting. At this stage, the best strategy is to assess the hand you have and what other players might have.
After the flop, you can either raise (put more money into the pot than your opponent) or call (match their bet). If you think that someone has a strong hand, it’s best to raise, as this will force them to fold their cards and give you an advantage. If you have a strong hand, then you should call to avoid giving away your strength to other players. This way, you will be able to maximise your chances of winning the pot.