Poker is a card game where players form a hand based on the ranking of cards and compete to win the pot of chips at the end of the hand. The dealer does the shuffling and manages the betting pool, or “pot,” while other players play the hand. The first player to bet wins the pot, and players can raise or re-raise their bets as the round progresses.

To be successful at poker, it’s important to learn the basic rules and how to read a table. There are also several strategies to use to improve your odds of winning a hand. When it comes to betting, always check out the other players’ bets before deciding how much to invest. If you’re unsure how to interpret someone else’s bet, ask for help at the table and observe other players carefully.

A good rule of thumb is to fold any hand that doesn’t offer a high probability of winning. This includes unsuited low cards, face cards paired with low cards, and straights without a kicker (highest card wins).

If you decide to stay in a hand, you can say “call” to match the last person’s bet. If you want to increase the previous high bet, you can say “raise.” If a player calls and you raise them, you’ll be known as a ‘check-raiser’. If you raise the previous raise, you’re a’re-raiser’. It’s also okay to take a break from the hand if you need to go to the bathroom, get a drink, or make a phone call. Just be sure to avoid sitting out more than a few hands, or it will feel unfair for the rest of the players at the table.