Poker is a card game where players place bets on the strength of their hands. A player’s actions are determined by the odds of winning a hand and considerations of psychology and game theory. Unlike some other card games, no money is required to be placed into the pot at the start of each betting interval (or round). Instead, players “buy in” by purchasing chips from the dealer that represent their desired stake. In general, a white chip is worth the minimum ante or bet amount; a red chip is worth five whites; and a blue chip is worth 10 or 20 or 25 white chips.

When it’s your turn to act, you can Say “call” to make a bet equal to the last player’s bet; or say “raise” if you want to increase the bet. A player can also check, in which case you don’t raise the bet but simply match it; or you can say “fold” to give up your cards and forfeit the round.

To maximize your chances of winning, memorize the rankings of poker hands and understand how to manage your bankroll. Don’t overcommit your funds to a weak hand and don’t try to bluff when you have a strong one. In addition, be courteous and keep in mind that players may have unwritten rules regarding how to play certain hands in specific spots. Be sure to ask for help if you’re confused. A more experienced player should be able to explain what is expected of you at the table.