Poker is a card game where players place bets to create a pot and compete for the highest ranking hand. Unlike most casino games, poker has no central dealer and the outcome of any hand depends on chance as well as player strategy and psychology. There are many different forms of poker, but most involve 2 to 14 players and one or more forced bets, called an ante and blind bet, made before each deal.

The first step in learning poker is to study the rules of the game and understand the betting system. When you are ready to play, start with low stakes cash games and micro-tournaments. This will help you familiarize yourself with the game and build a bankroll without risking too much money.

Once you know the basic rules of poker, it is time to learn how to read a table. Look for patterns in your opponents’ bets to see if they have a strong or weak hand. Also observe how long it takes them to make their decision, a quick action indicates a weak hand while an extended pause often signals a strong one.

If you have a good hand, say “hit” to add your own bet and continue the round. If you have a weak hand, say “fold” to drop your cards and let the other players compete for the pot. Always remember that you can also bluff in poker, which is a vital skill in the game.