Poker is a card game that is played by two or more people. It is a game that involves betting and requires a high degree of skill. It is a game that has been around for centuries, and has become one of the most popular games in the world.
A basic knowledge of the rules and some strategies is enough to get started in poker, but learning more about the game can help you improve your results. There are many poker books available, and online courses can also be very helpful. These courses typically include lessons and videos, as well as statistics and sample hands. You can also find online courses that offer live lessons and coaching, but these may be more expensive than a book.
Each player begins the hand with a set number of chips. A white chip is worth a minimum ante or bet, while red chips are often used to represent higher amounts. Each player then places their chips into the pot in turn, saying either “call” to match a previous bet, or “raise” if they wish to increase the amount of the bet. They may also choose to “drop” their hand, in which case they must leave the betting round and cannot return until the next deal.
After the first betting round, called the Flop, an additional community card is dealt. This is followed by a third betting round, called the Turn, and then a final betting round, called the River.