Poker is a card game played with chips, and there are several different variations of the game. Each one is characterized by certain rules, betting rounds, and hand rankings. The game is popular because it’s fast-paced and requires a good mix of skill and luck to win.

The first thing you need to do to get a feel for the game is learn the rules. Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic rules, then move on to learning how to play the most popular types of poker games. You should also learn about the various limits, stakes, and tournament formats for each variation of poker.

Before the cards are dealt, there is a round of betting. The players to the left of the dealer put down mandatory bets (called blinds) into the pot before the cards are dealt. Then each player makes a decision about whether to call, raise, or fold.

Once the flop is dealt, there’s another round of betting. The player to the left of the button usually bets. Once everyone has a look at their cards, they decide to make a final decision. They can stay, hit, or double up (calling for another card).

It’s important to understand how hands rank and the odds of making them. Any hand in a higher category beats any hand in a lower category, but some hands are stronger than others. To increase your chances of winning, try to eliminate weak hands from the table.