Poker is a card game played with chips (representing money) between two or more players. It is a game of skill and strategy where the highest hand wins. There are many variations of the game, but the basic rules remain the same.

Before players are dealt cards, they must put in a bet amount, called either the blind or ante. Then they are dealt cards, which are usually kept hidden from the other players. After this, a series of betting rounds take place. During these, the player in the most favorable position to raise bets (called raising) has the option to call, fold or raise again.

The objective of the game is to make a high-ranking poker hand of five cards. Typical poker hands include a straight, three of a kind, four of a kind and two pair. Each of these poker hands contains the highest ranking card. The highest rank is the Ace, followed by the King, Queen, Jack and then the 10. Each suit has a rank but not all suits are equal: spades are low, diamonds are middle and clubs are high.

A poker player’s ability to read his or her opponents is key to winning the game. This includes understanding their tells, which are a combination of body language and verbal cues. It also includes being able to identify how often they play certain types of hands. The best way to learn how to read your opponents is by playing with them or finding someone who knows more than you.