Poker is a card game in which players place bets (called chips) into the pot before being dealt cards. The highest-ranked hand wins the pot. Players may also bluff in order to win. The game is played in a fast-paced manner and betting goes around the table clockwise. When a player’s turn comes to bet, they can say “call” to match the last bet or raise it.

After all players have two hole cards, another round of betting takes place. This is called the flop. The player to the left of the dealer starts betting first. In this round, it is a good idea to bluff and force weak hands out of the way. This can also give you a better chance of winning your next hand.

When the flop is dealt, three more cards are added to the board. A round of betting begins again, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. In this round, it’s important to pay attention to your opponents. If they seem to be doubling their bets, it’s probably time for you to fold.

The winning hand is a high pair, a straight or a flush. The highest card breaks ties. A player who doesn’t have a high pair or a higher-ranked hand must drop out of the pot. This allows other players to compete for the side pots. Generally, the winner of any side pot will be the player with the highest hand.