Poker is a card game where players compete to make the best hand using two of their own cards and five community cards. There are many variants of poker, but all share certain features. The game is played by a number of people around a table and the object is to win the pot, or the total of all bets placed in a single deal. The pot may be won by a player with the highest poker hand, or by bluffing and convincing other players that they have a better hand than they do.
Once each player has 2 hole cards, a round of betting begins. There are usually mandatory bets called blinds placed into the pot by the two players to the left of the dealer. The dealer then shuffles the cards and offers them to the player on his right for a cut. This is known as the button position.
After the flop, there is another round of betting. Then the dealer reveals the final community card, called the river. There is one more round of betting, and then the remaining players show their hands.
Playing poker is all about reading your opponents and knowing when to call or raise. Watch experienced players and learn how they react in different situations to develop your own quick instincts.