Poker is a card game played by a group of players on a table who have chips that they can use to make bets. The object of the game is to have the highest ranked hand when the betting round is over. The winning hand receives all of the bets made during the hand, called the pot. While there are many different forms of poker, most involve at least six or eight players and all have similar rules.

In order to play poker, you must learn how to read the other players on the table. This means watching how they move their cards and chips and paying attention to their body language. It also means observing how they act during the game and considering what would happen if you were in their shoes. By doing this, you can develop quick instincts and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Another important skill is being able to determine whether a player has a strong or weak hand. This is important because it allows you to bluff them into folding or bet aggressively when you think they have a weak hand. It’s also a good idea to avoid calling out your opponents for making mistakes, as this will only make them more likely to do the same thing next time.

The first round of betting begins once all the players have received their two hole cards. After the initial bets are placed, 1 more card is dealt face up, which is called the flop. Then another round of betting begins, beginning with the player to the left of the dealer.