Poker is a card game in which players place chips (representing money) into the pot to make bets. A player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot. Poker can be played with any number of players, although the ideal number is six to eight. There are many different poker variants, but most share similar rules.

During each betting round, one player, determined by the rules of the particular poker variant, has the privilege or obligation to place a bet in the pot before anyone else does. Each player then has the option to raise his or her bet, or fold. Those who choose to raise must make their bet in increments of the amount placed by the player before them.

In the beginning of a poker game, players often play low stakes cash games or micro-tournaments to become familiar with the rules and the flow of hands. This minimizes financial risk, allowing new players to experiment with strategies and improve their skills without significant loss.

Poker is a game of skill, but it also requires some luck. A strong poker player can minimize the variance of luck by learning to read opponents and make strategic bets. Moreover, studying the mistakes and experiences of other experienced players can help novices adopt effective strategies.