Poker is a card game that requires players to place chips (representing money) into the pot before they can make a bet. When a player has a good hand, they can raise their bet and compete with other players for the prize, called the pot. If they don’t have a good hand, they can fold and end their betting turn.

Before cards are dealt, each player must post a small and a big blind bet. This amount is collectively known as the ante. If the player to the right of the button has already posted, they may call (match) the current bet or raise it. The dealer then deals five cards to each player.

The highest poker hand is a royal flush, which includes four matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another. A straight is five consecutive cards of the same suit. Three of a kind is made up of three cards of the same rank, while a pair is two matching cards of one rank plus an unmatched card.

Poker can be a fun way to socialize and spend time with friends, but it is also an excellent way to sharpen your decision-making skills. The game forces you to weigh risks and rewards when deciding how much to bet, and it helps you develop an understanding of probability and statistics. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. It’s helpful to observe experienced players and learn how they react to build your own instincts.