Poker is a card game in which players bet into a pot. Players have several options when betting: they can call, raise or fold their hand. The highest poker hand wins the pot.

The first step towards becoming a solid poker player is to learn how to read your opponents. This includes looking for tells and observing how they handle their chips. It also means making a commitment to learning about the game and choosing games that are profitable for your bankroll.

If you’re new to poker, you may be surprised by how quickly your game can improve. The divide between break-even beginner players and big-time winners is often very narrow, and the difference is usually just a few little adjustments that you make to your mental approach to the game.

When the game starts, everyone antes some money into the pot (the amount varies depending on the game). The dealer then deals each player one card. Players then bet into the pot, in a clockwise fashion. The highest hand wins the pot at the end of the round.

If you have a strong hand, you should always raise when betting comes around to you. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and increase the value of your hand. If you have a weak hand, you should check/fold when players bet at you. This will save you money and keep your opponents guessing about what you’re holding.