Poker is a card game played in various forms worldwide, by two or more players. The object of the game is to win the pot (a combination of all bets placed) by having the highest-ranking hand at the end of a betting round. The game involves considerable skill, psychology, and probability, with the players making decisions based on these factors. The game may also involve bluffing, in which players bet that they have the best hand when they do not. A player may also call a bet made by another player, raising it to force players holding superior hands to fold.

The first round of betting begins, with one or more forced bets, called an ante and a blind bet, being placed in the pot before cards are dealt. After the bets are in place, the dealer shuffles the cards and deals each player seven cards. Players can then choose to discard and draw replacement cards, or they may keep their cards in the hopes of forming a high-ranking hand at the next betting round.

Once the initial betting round is complete the dealer reveals three cards face-up on the table that are community cards everyone can use, this is known as the flop. If you have a strong hand on the flop then bet at it to force weaker hands to fold and increase your chances of winning. If you don’t have a good hand then check and wait for the turn or river to improve your hand.