Poker is a card game in which players place bets and try to make the best five-card poker hand. The game can be played with 2 to 14 people, but the ideal number is 6 or 7 people. The rules vary between different poker variants, but the basic concepts are the same. The game can be exciting and fast-paced, but it is important to keep a clear head at all times.

In the first round of betting, each player is dealt 2 cards face down (hidden from other players). These are called the hole cards or pocket cards. Each player can then choose whether to call the bet or fold. After the initial bets are placed, 3 cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. This is called the flop. A new round of betting begins, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.

There are several possible poker hands, and each one has a different value. For example, a full house consists of 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A straight consists of 5 consecutive cards, which can be in any suit. A pair consists of two matching cards of the same rank, and a third card can be any rank.

To play poker well, you need to understand the game’s rules, strategies, and history. You also need to be able to read other players’ reactions, including their tells. This will help you spot when other players are bluffing. You should also study your opponents’ betting patterns, and pay attention to the size of their chip stacks. A short-stacked player is desperate for a win and can be easier to bluff against.