The Basics of Poker

Poker is a game where players use their cards to make the best possible hand. It’s a fun and addicting game that can also be a great way to learn about your opponents’ strategy.

The first step is to bet your ante, the first small amount of money you put into the pot. This is a bet that all players must make in order to participate.

Once all the players have made their ante bets, the dealer will deal two cards to each player. Then, each player can choose to either “call” the bet by putting in the same number of chips; “raise,” which means adding more chips into the pot; or “fold,” which means discarding their hand and not participating in the next betting round.

If you’ve made the right choice and think that your opponent has a better hand, it’s often a good idea to fold rather than calling. This can help you save your chips for another hand, and keep you alive longer.

The element of chance plays a large part in poker, but the player who is more skilled can diminish this influence. The key is to understand how to control your own luck.