Poker is a card game played between two or more players. There are many different variations of the game, each with varying rules. Regardless of the variation, the object of the game is to win the pot of money by having the highest-ranking hand at showdown. Players place bets on their own hands and on the other players’ hands. Depending on the game, a player may be required to place an initial amount into the pot before the cards are dealt. These are called forced bets and come in the form of antes, blinds or bring-ins. If a player declines to do this, he is said to drop or fold his hand and no longer compete for the pot.

During each betting interval (depending on the game), one player, in turn, has the privilege or obligation to put chips into the pot that are at least equal to the total contribution of all players before him. If he bets more than the previous player, he is said to raise. In some variants, players are allowed to “check,” which means that they will stay in the pot without placing any more chips unless someone else raises during their turn.

A successful poker player needs to understand the basics of probability, psychology and game theory in order to analyze his opponents and make well-informed bets. In addition, it is important to be able to read the tells that other players give off during a hand.