Poker is a card game in which players place chips (money to bet with) into the pot before they are dealt 2 cards. They then aim to make the highest ranked poker hand from their own two cards and the five community cards. The highest ranked poker hand wins the pot, which includes all of the other players’ bets.

Each player has 2 cards, which are known as their hole cards. These are hidden from the other players until they decide to reveal them. During this time, they can make a bet (known as checking) and fold if their cards are weak. They can also raise the bet if they have a good hand.

There are a number of different ways to play poker, but most games are played with 6 or more people at a table. A designated dealer is called the button, and it moves clockwise after each hand. Some games also have mandatory bets called blinds that are made by the players to the left of the dealer before they are dealt their cards.

One of the most important things to do when playing poker is learning how to read your opponents. This can be done through studying body language and other tells, such as gestures or facial expressions. It is also helpful to observe experienced players and think about how they would react in certain situations. This will help you build your instincts and improve your game.