Poker is a card game that involves betting. It is played by two or more players and requires a minimum of 2 cards dealt to each player. After each round of betting, the highest hand wins the pot. Players can also bluff and win by making false claims about their hands.
Before each hand begins, all players must place an initial bet (amount varies by game). This is called the ante. In most games, there are then mandatory bets that must be made by the players to the left of the dealer, which is called the blind. These bets are placed into a pot and are usually made in chips or cash. Players may raise these bets as well, which is called raising. When it is your turn to act, you can say “call” if you want to bet the same amount as the person before you, or you can fold, which means that you will not place any money into the pot.
Successful poker players are characterized by their ability to read the tells of other players. This can be done by studying their body language and other signals that they give off. Discipline is also an important characteristic of a winning poker player. If a player lacks the discipline to throw away poor starting hands, then no amount of strategic knowledge will allow them to win consistently.