Poker is a card game that requires a combination of skill and luck in order to be successful. It is played in various forms, including cash games and tournament play. Regardless of the format, however, many of the same strategies apply. The goal is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets made on a deal. This can be achieved through either having the highest-ranked hand or by betting enough that other players will fold their hands.

Players place an initial amount of money into the pot before cards are dealt, known as antes or blinds. These bets are mandatory so that there is an incentive for people to play. During this phase of the game, each player receives 2 cards, face down and hidden from other players. These are called a player’s hole cards. After the first round of betting, 3 additional cards are revealed to all players, known as the flop. Another round of betting begins, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.

The next card is dealt face up, called the turn. The last card is then dealt face up, called the river. The final round of betting is then commenced. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot. A high-ranking hand may consist of any two matching cards, such as a pair, or three consecutive cards of the same suit, such as a straight. A player may also choose to bluff in order to make their hand seem stronger than it is.