Poker is a card game in which the players wager money or chips on the outcome of a hand. The object of the game is to win the pot, or the sum of all bets made in a single deal, by having one of the best poker hands. The game can be played by 2 to 14 people, but in most games the ideal number is six or seven players.

Typically, players make forced bets before being dealt cards; these are known as the ante and the blind bet. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to the players one at a time, starting with the player to his or her left. The cards can be dealt face up or down, depending on the game. In some variants, the players can also exchange some or all of their cards during or after the betting round, thereby modifying their hands.

A poker hand consists of two personal cards in the player’s hand and five community cards that are displayed on the table. A full house consists of three matching cards of the same rank and two matching cards of another rank. A flush consists of 5 consecutive cards of the same suit, while a straight consists of five cards of different ranks but from the same suit. A pair consists of two cards of the same rank.

Despite its reputation as a game of chance, poker requires substantial skill and psychology. It is a great way to practice your quick instincts and improve your decision-making skills. It can also help you develop good money management habits by teaching you to avoid making risky bets and to know when to fold.