Poker is a card game in which players compete to form the best 5-card hand using their own two cards and the five community cards on the table. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot at the end of each betting round. There are many strategies that can be employed to win the pot, including betting aggressively and bluffing. Deception is an important part of the game, so learn to read your opponents and look for tells (such as fiddling with their chips or wearing a hat).

Whether you play a live game or online, there are a few basic rules that you should know before beginning. First, you need to cut the deck (if playing with a dealer) or pass it to the person on your left after each hand. This will ensure that the cards are evenly distributed.

Before a hand begins, each player must decide whether to open the betting by saying “call” or “raise.” If you call, you must place the same amount of money into the pot as the player before you, or risk losing your cards and getting out of the hand.

It’s important to practice and watch experienced players to develop quick instincts. Studying their mistakes will help you avoid similar pitfalls, and learning about their successful moves can expand your own strategy.