Poker is a card game of strategy that involves betting between the players. It is believed to be an ancestor of other card games, such as blackjack and rummy. It is also thought to have evolved from the Renaissance game of primero and the French game brelan, both of which had been played since ancient times.

During the game, each player is dealt five cards. The highest hand wins the pot. Players with the same hand share the winnings if they tie. To begin, the dealer shuffles the deck and then deals each player one card at a time, starting with the person on their left. Once all the cards have been dealt, the first of several betting rounds begins.

Players can say “raise” to add money to the bet amount. They can also choose to call a bet, or fold their cards and leave the table. If a player does not want to raise, they can simply say “check.” Then they will wait for the next round of betting to start again.

Poker is a fast-paced game, and it is important for players to develop quick instincts. To develop good instincts, it is helpful for players to practice and watch other players play. By doing so, they will learn how to read other players’ betting patterns and be able to decide when to call or raise a bet. Another important part of the game is understanding what types of hands are likely to win.