Poker is a card game in which you bet against other players to win. While some people consider it a game of chance, most players know that there is a fair amount of skill involved in poker. It is also a very social game.

To play poker you will need a deck of cards and poker chips. There are many different poker games, but most of them have the same basic rules. First, one or more players are required to make forced bets – usually an ante and a blind bet. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to each player, starting with the person on their left. The cards may be dealt face up or down.

After the first betting round is complete the dealer puts three cards on the table that everyone can use, this is called the flop. After this there is a second betting round. Then the dealer puts a fourth card on the table that everyone can use, this card is called the turn. Then there is a third betting round.

During each betting round you can either call the bet (put into the pot the same amount as the person to your left) or raise it. You can also choose to drop out of the hand. If you drop out of a hand you forfeit any money that you have put into the pot. If you have a high hand (pair or better) you win the pot. If no one has a high hand then the highest card breaks ties.