Poker is a card game that is played with a deck of cards and chips. The game has many variations, but they all have a common element: betting on the outcome of a player’s hand. The player with the highest hand wins. The game is usually played in rounds with the bets placed into a central pot. Each round may involve one or more betting phases.

To place a bet in Poker, you say the amount you want to bet and then place your chips or cash into the pot. You can also fold at any time before your turn comes up. If the person before you raised, you can call their bet by saying “call” or “I call.” If you call, your chips are added to the pot.

When playing Poker, it is important to learn the game’s rules and the basic strategy. You should practice your game as often as possible and watch experienced players to develop quick instincts.

You should also try to read other players’ tells. This includes observing their body language and reading their betting behavior. If you notice a player who calls frequently but rarely raises, it’s likely that they have an excellent hand.

To play Poker, you need a minimum of seven players and a supply of poker chips. The chips are normally white, with each unit worth the same amount as the ante or blind bet. If the game has more than seven players, you can divide the table into two and play each half in a separate game.