Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involves betting between rounds. Each player must either have a superior hand or win the pot, which is the sum of all bets made in a deal. Players can also bluff, putting up bets that are higher than the actual value of their cards.

There are countless variations of poker, but most involve seven or more cards and a fixed number of chips for each player. Each player buys in for a set amount, usually 10 or 20 white chips or the equivalent value of another color. During the course of a game, each player can raise or call bets from their opponents. When a player wins the pot, they take all the money at the table and may not give it back to the other players.

To make a bet, you say “call” or “I call,” and then place the number of chips required to call in the pot. You can also raise a bet by saying “raise.” Then the other players must choose to call your new bet, or fold their cards and leave the betting round.

The best way to learn poker is by playing with experienced players and observing their behavior. Practicing and watching will help you develop quick instincts.