Poker is a card game played by two or more players. It is a game of chance and strategy, in which players bet on the outcome of a hand based on its statistical value and other factors. The rules of poker vary according to the variant being played. In most cases, a player must place chips (representing money) into the pot before dealing his or her cards. These forced bets are known as antes and blinds.

After the antes and blinds are placed, one or more betting intervals begin, as specified by the variant of poker being played. Cards are then dealt, usually face-up but sometimes face down, one at a time starting with the player to the dealer’s right. Each player’s hands are then developed during the betting interval, by adding or replacing cards or raising and lowering bets.

A player may raise a bet by saying “raise.” This means that you are raising the amount of money in the pot, and other players must choose whether to call your new bet or fold. If they call your bet, they must reveal their cards. If they don’t, you have won the round.

A player can also bluff by betting that they have the best hand when in fact they don’t. This is called “calling.” If other players call your bet, you must show your cards and lose the bet. This type of play is also called a “bluff.” If you’re going to bluff, you must have a good reason for doing so.