Poker is a card game played with a small group of people around a table. The game is usually fast-paced, with players betting continuously until one person has all of the chips or everyone folds. Each player can choose to call, raise or check (pass on the turn to act). The game has been popularized in the United States, where it is considered a national card game and its play and jargon are widely known. It is played in casinos and private homes, as well as over the Internet.

Players place an initial amount of money into the pot before they are dealt cards, a process called anteing. Once they have their cards, the players start betting in increments determined by the rules of the specific poker variant being played. The player to the left of the dealer starts each betting interval. If you say “check,” you don’t place a bet, and the betting will come around to you again later. If you check again, you’ll have to match the previous player’s bet or fold your hand.

When betting comes around to you and you have a strong hand, bet aggressively to take advantage of your opponent’s insecurity. This will force weak hands to fold and raise the value of your winnings. You can also use the opportunity to study your opponents’ behavior and develop reads on their playing style. If you are short on chips, be sure to fold before the flop.