Poker is a card game in which players place bets before and during a hand. A player with the highest ranked hand wins the pot, which includes all of the bets placed during that hand. The pot is usually split equally among players if no one has a high enough ranked hand to win the entire pot.
Beginners should start with low stakes games to gain valuable experience without risking significant money. Practicing at a lower level will also help improve your skills and confidence, which are vital for successful play. You should also learn about poker etiquette, including keeping quiet, not disrupting other players, and tipping your dealer and serving staff.
It is important to understand how to read your opponents. Pay attention to their behavior, and look for tells such as fiddling with chips or a ring. It is also helpful to study the game rules and hand rankings to be able to make quick decisions. Watch experienced players and imagine how you’d react in their position to develop your instincts.
After the dealer deals 2 hole cards to each player, a round of betting begins. This is initiated by 2 mandatory bets called blinds that are put into the pot by players to the left of the dealer before the cards are dealt. Once all players have acted, 1 more card is revealed and another round of betting occurs. If you have a strong starting hand, like a pair of Aces or a straight, you should raise your bet to get more value out of your strong hand.