Poker is a card game in which players wager their chips (representing money) against other players. It is a game of chance, but a player’s decisions can be influenced by strategy. The game has a number of variants, but all share certain essential elements.
During a hand, each player must ante (put something into the pot) and then be dealt cards. Once everyone has their cards, betting starts. If you have a good hand, you can bet that it is better than another player’s, hoping to win the pot. You can also bluff, hoping to get other players to call your bet when you don’t have a strong hand.
Each player is allowed to bet in increments based on the rules of the poker variant being played. The first player to the left of the button, or dealer, has the privilege and obligation to make the first bet. Then, each player must place into the pot a number of chips equal to or higher than the amount placed in by the player before him. This is called being “in the pot”.
If you have a good hand, you should raise it to force other players out of the pot and increase your chances of winning. Saying “raise” means you want to bet more than the player before you. The other players will then choose whether to call your new bet or fold their cards. If they fold, you have won the pot.
