Poker is a card game in which players wager on the outcome of a hand. The rules of poker vary by game, but most involve one or more rounds of betting. The goal is to win the pot, or the aggregate amount of bets made on a single hand. The player with the best hand wins the pot. Poker is often played in groups with a set number of players, though it can also be played by two or more people in the same room.

The game begins when one or more players make forced bets, called antes or blinds. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to the players, starting with the player on the left of the button. Depending on the game, some of the cards may be dealt face up while others are dealt face down. The first round of betting begins, with each player acting in turn.

When a player makes a bet, other players have the option of calling (matching the amount of the bet) or raising it. In some games, players may even re-raise after another player has raised. The game continues until all the remaining players either call the bet or fold their cards.

While many beginners play poker for fun, some want to win money. To do this, they should learn how to read other players and use their position to their advantage. A great place to start is by reading books by Phil Hellmuth, but keep in mind that he is an ultra-conservative player who plays only the best hands.

When you first start playing, it’s a good idea to stick with low limits so that you don’t lose a lot of money. This will also help you learn how to read other players and understand the game better. Moreover, you can start playing versus weaker players and slowly increase your stakes as you improve. Eventually, you should be able to win decent amounts of money at the highest stakes.