Poker is a card game that can be played by two or more players. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets made during a deal. The player with the best 5-card hand wins the pot. The pot may be shared between players if there is a tie for the best hand. Players can also bluff, betting that they have a good hand when they do not, in order to get other players to call their bets.
Before dealing the cards, one or more players must make a forced bet, called the ante or blind bet. The dealer shuffles the pack, then deals each player a number of cards, starting with the player on their left. Cards may be dealt either face up or face down, depending on the game. During each round, players may add to or replace cards in their hands. After the initial deal, a series of betting rounds takes place.
When it is your turn to act, you can say “call” or “raise.” If you raise the bet, other players must choose whether to call or fold their cards. You can also say “all-in,” which means that you are putting all of your chips into the pot. This will usually force other players to match your bet or raise it further.