Poker is a card game played by individuals for a sum of money or chips contributed by all the players at the table (called the pot). Players compete to control the amount of money in the pot based on their own hand and their predictions as to what their opponents may be holding. They can also use strategic misinformation to manipulate their opponents and increase the value of their own hand.

After each player has two hole cards, a round of betting begins. The first player to act places a bet in the pot (or calls it) by saying “call” or “I call.” This is a commitment to pay into the pot an amount equal to the last bet or raise. A player can also choose to fold, meaning they will not bet and will pass on their turn to act until it comes back around to them again.

The flop comes next. It reveals three more cards that everyone can use to make a 5-card hand. The highest 5-card hand wins the pot. Typically, the best hand consists of a pair, a straight or a flush. If the best hands tie, the highest card breaks the tie.

The best way to win the game is to bet aggressively when you have a good hand and force weaker hands to call your bets. However, you should always be aware of your own strength and be careful not to bluff too much if you don’t have a strong hand.