How to Play Poker

Poker is a card game in which players wager chips (representing money) and the highest hand wins. It is the most popular gambling game in the world and is played in homes, poker clubs, in casinos, and online. It is also known as the national card game of the United States and its play and jargon have become part of American culture.

To begin a hand, each player must place an initial amount of money into the pot called the ante. Then, each player can call (match) a previous player’s bet, raise (bet a higher amount), or fold. This betting cycle continues for each of the three community cards that are dealt, known as the flop, turn, and river.

If you have a strong poker hand, you should always bet. This helps you build the pot and chase off players who have weaker hands that could beat yours. You should avoid calling bluffs, however, as you’re giving your opponents information about the strength of your hand.

In some games, there is a special fund at the table called the “kitty.” This is created when players raise each other’s bets and share a low-denomination chip from the pot. This money is then used for things like food, drinks, and new decks of cards. This money is not available for players who leave the game before it ends.