Poker is a card game where players take turns betting on their own hand of cards. The player who has the highest ranked hand when the cards are shown wins the pot – all of the money that was bet during that hand. The game has many variants but Texas Hold ’em is the most popular.

Poker was first played in the United States in the 1860s, and it became popular on riverboats transporting goods up and down the Mississippi River. It then spread to the rest of the country, becoming a staple in Wild West saloons. It is also an important part of the fabric of American popular culture, appearing in novels and movies.

In Poker, each player is dealt 2 cards that are hidden from other players (also called hole or pocket cards). There is a round of betting before the deal begins. These mandatory bets are known as blinds, and they help to provide an incentive for people to play.

After the pre-flop betting phase, three more cards are dealt face up in the center of the table – this is known as the flop. There is another round of betting, and the player to the left of the button starts the action.

If you want to add more money to the betting pool, say “raise.” Other players will either call your new bet or fold. If you decide your chances of winning are small, you can choose to fold and forfeit the right to compete for the pot.