Poker is a card game in which players compete for money. It is played in homes, online and in casinos around the world. The game requires a great deal of skill, but it can be fun.

Poker chips are usually worth a certain amount of money, and the players “buy in” for that money at the beginning of the game. This money is often used to pay for new decks of cards and to pay for food or drinks during the game.

Blinds: Some versions of poker require players to make a “blind bet” before their cards are dealt. These bets may replace the ante, or they may be in addition to the ante.

Check: When a player does not wish to make any more bets during the round, they can check. They must call if another player has made a bet during the same betting interval, or they can fold.

Bets: When the next round of play begins, the first player to the left in the circle makes a bet. The other players then have to either call that bet by placing into the pot the same number of chips or raise their bet.

A player who makes a raise will increase the size of the bet pool. The other players then go around in a circle and choose to either call the new bet or fold. If you fold, your cards will be turned face down and you cannot take any more action in the hand.