Poker is a card game played by two or more players in which the highest hand wins the pot. While there is an element of chance in poker, it is a game that requires quite a bit of skill and psychology in order to be successful. It is also a great social game and can be enjoyed with a group of friends as well as strangers.

To start the game each player must put up some amount of money (called an ante, this can vary by game) in order to get dealt cards. When it is your turn you can call a bet, raise it or fold your cards. Usually betting goes around the table clockwise. If you have a good enough hand, raising can be an effective strategy.

After the first round of betting is complete the dealer deals three cards face up on the board that everyone can use. This is called the flop. After this a final betting round takes place before the showdown.

Whenever you can, don’t hold your cards up where the other players can see them. This gives them an unfair advantage and looks suspicious. Instead try to play your cards close to your chest and take a look at them only when it is your turn. If you can’t, then at least keep them hidden from other players until the hand is over.