Poker is a card game that involves betting over a series of rounds. Each player makes bets based on their cards and the anticipated chances of other players making certain types of hands. Players can call, raise, and fold, and the player with the best hand wins the pot (or the pot is split if there are two or more equal hands). Different poker variants vary in the way betting takes place, but at their core they all involve being dealt cards and placing bets over a number of rounds.

To begin the game, each player must buy in with a certain amount of poker chips. Typically, a white chip is worth the minimum ante or blind bet; red chips are worth five whites; and blue chips are worth 10 whites. The dealer then shuffles and deals each player four hole cards face down. Each player then assesses their cards and decides whether to stay in the hand or not.

When starting out, it’s best to play small games to preserve your bankroll and learn the rules of the game. If possible, find a local home game or online poker forum where you can practice your skills against other people. This will allow you to learn how to read other players’ tells and make more informed decisions about when to bet, check, or fold. It will also help you build up your confidence in playing this mentally intensive game.