Poker is a card game that is played with two or more players. It can be played in a variety of ways, but the basic rules are the same across all games. Players must ante (put an amount of money into the pot) before being dealt cards, and then they bet on their hands. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Before the cards are dealt there is a round of betting, which is initiated by 2 mandatory bets called blinds put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. These are required so there is something in the pot to win, and to keep the game moving fast.

After the flop is dealt there is another round of betting. If you raise the bet that has been made before you, your opponents will either call it or fold.

When betting gets around to you, say “call” if you want to match the bet that was raised before you. You can also say “raise” if you want to increase the bet by adding more chips on top of your opponent’s previous bet.

The best way to improve your Poker skills is to practice and watch experienced players play. This will help you develop quick instincts and learn how to read other players’ behavior. If you can read other players’ behavior and anticipate how they will react to certain situations, it is much easier to make good decisions.