Poker is a card game where players place chips into the pot to make bets. A player may bet more than the amount they have in front of them by saying “raise.” When a player says this, other players can call or fold their cards. If someone raises and they have a higher hand, they win the pot. Similarly, if someone calls and they have a lower hand, they lose.

To play Poker, two to seven players buy in for a certain number of chips. Usually, the chips are white or light-colored and can be worth any amount up to the minimum ante or bet. Alternatively, they can be re-colored and have values such as five whites or two, four or five reds. Regardless of the chips, the dealer should distribute them evenly between the main pot and any side pots that are created.

The best way to improve your Poker skills is to play with experienced players and observe their behavior. Watch for tells, which are unconscious habits that reveal information about a player’s hand. A good poker player also learns from their mistakes and adjusts their strategy accordingly.

A good strategy is to play the player, not your cards. For example, a pair of kings is not a great hand, but it can still win if another player has A-A. Try to find situations where you can take advantage of other players, and you will see your winnings grow over time.