Poker is a card game in which players compete to assemble the best possible five-card hand. Players bet during the course of a single deal and the object is to win the pot, or the sum of all bets placed by all players in one round. The game is usually played in a group of six to 14 people and can be played for cash or other units such as chips.

The rules of poker vary slightly from variation to variation but the basic principles are consistent. In a standard game of poker, each player is dealt two cards and then the betting begins. The player to the left of the dealer places a bet and everyone else must decide whether to call, raise, or fold. Players may also re-raise after calling a previous raise, known as a re-raise.

When deciding whether to call or raise, it is important to consider how your opponents are acting as well as your own hand. A common mistake beginners make is to play too passively when holding a draw, like a straight or flush. This allows their opponent to take advantage of them and often leads to a lost pot.

When playing poker, you should only gamble with money you are willing to lose and always keep track of your wins and losses. If you’re new to the game, start with a small bankroll and work your way up to a level you are comfortable losing.