Poker is a card game played in small groups or individually. Players each have a stack of chips and the object is to win the pot, which is the total sum of all the bets made during one deal. The game can be very fast-paced and the betting can continue until one player has all of the chips or everyone folds. There are a variety of poker games and it is possible to find a game that fits your personality, schedule, and budget.

There are two basic types of poker: cash games and tournaments. Both require a certain amount of money to play and the amount of money that you put into the game is called your buy-in. Cash games are often played in a live setting and tournaments are held online. There are also other variations of the game that you can try, such as razz, 7-card stud, and draw.

One of the most important skills in poker is understanding ranges. This is when you work out the range of cards that your opponent could have and then determine how likely it is that they will beat you with those cards. This is a skill that all top players have and it is vital for making big profits at the tables.

Another key skill is not being afraid to bet when you have a strong hand. This will help you build the pot and potentially chase off opponents who are waiting to see if they can make a better hand. This is why top players always fast-play their strong hands – it helps them to make more money.