Poker is a card game played by two or more players sitting around a table. The object of the game is to win the pot, which consists of the sum of all bets made by each player during one betting interval in a hand. This can be done by either having the highest-ranked poker hand or by making a bet that no other player calls. Poker can be played with any number of players, but the ideal is 6.

The cards are dealt in one or more intervals called betting periods. During each betting interval, a player must place in the pot chips (representing money) equal to or higher than the total contribution of the player who made the last bet.

After the betting intervals, the players reveal their cards and the highest-ranking poker hand wins the pot. A poker game can be over at this point or continued, depending on the rules of the variant being played.

If a player decides not to continue the game, he must “drop out” of any side pots in which he is participating and forfeits his rights to these funds. He must also drop out of the original pot and give his share to the winner.

There is a lot of strategy involved in Poker. It’s important to study your opponents and learn how to read their tells. This includes observing their body language, facial expressions and gestures. Also, it’s helpful to practice and watch experienced players in order to develop quick instincts.