Poker is a card game where the objective is to use the cards you are dealt to make the best five-card hand possible. The higher the hand, the more money you win. The game has many variations, but they all share the same core rules.

The game starts with each player putting an amount of chips into the pot (the exact amount varies by game). When betting comes around to you, you can call the previous bet, raise it, or drop (fold) your hand. If you fold, you can’t bet again until the next deal.

When you’re holding a decent hand, it is often better to raise instead of calling. This allows you to price out worse hands and maximize your return over the long term. However, be careful not to over-raise. This can get you in trouble, especially if someone is on tilt and calling every time they have a chance.

One of the most important elements of poker is understanding how to read your opponents. Knowing the tells and body language can help you determine if an opponent is bluffing or just scared. The more you practice this skill, the better you will become.