Poker is a card game where players make wagers against each other based on the cards they hold. It has many variants, but all are played with the same basic rules. The game can be a great way to make money, and it is also a fun social activity. It is important to know the rules of the game before you play, and it is also a good idea to study the different strategies that can be used to improve your results.

In most cases, each player will have to put in forced bets before the dealer deals any cards. These bets are called blinds and they help create an incentive for players to participate. Typically, the person to the left of the button will be responsible for putting in the blinds. The button moves around the table after each hand, so players will have a chance to be in the position to start betting next time.

Once all the players have received their 2 personal cards, a third card is dealt face up, this is known as the flop. There is then another round of betting, which may include bluffing. Aggressive players are easy to spot, as they will often raise their bets early in the hand before seeing how the other players respond. Conservative players, on the other hand, will be more cautious and only call bets when they feel their hands are strong.

The best 5 card poker hands win the pot, which is all of the bets made during each round of betting. A Royal flush is the highest poker hand, followed by a straight flush, 3 of a kind, and 2 pair.