Poker is a card game that requires both skill and strategy to win. While there are many different variations of the game, they all have some similarities. In most games, players must first ante (the amount varies by game but is typically a nickel) to get dealt cards. Then, players place bets into a pot in the middle, and at the end of the hand the highest hand wins.

When betting comes around to you, say “call” if you want to raise the amount of money in the pot by matching the last player’s bet or raising it by at least one more than their bet. Or, you can say “fold” if you have a low enough hand to not want to risk your money.

It’s also important to be able to read the other players in the game and understand their betting patterns. For example, a very conservative player will often fold early in a hand and may be difficult to bluff against. Aggressive players, on the other hand, will likely bet high to get others to call their bets.

Another thing you’ll need to know about poker is the rules of the different variants. There are many different ways to play the game, and you can find out about them online or by studying a book. It’s also helpful to have a good understanding of probability and how odds change over time in poker. You’ll want to know how much your opponent might have and whether their odds of a good hand are diminishing over time, for instance.