Poker is a card game played from a standard deck of 52 cards. The games usually have four suits, but there are also variations that use wild cards or jokers. The highest hand wins. The game is played on a table with other players, and each player has the option to check, raise or fold their cards.

A great way to build comfort with risk-taking is to start with low stakes and then gradually move up. This will help you learn how to manage your risk and avoid putting yourself in situations where you are too vulnerable.

When it’s your turn, you can say “I open” if you want to bet first in the round. Then you will take turns clockwise until someone else opens or everyone checks.

If the person before you raises their bet, you can say “call” to match their amount and stay in the hand. If you have a good hand, you can raise your bet even more to try to scare off other players and increase your odds of winning.

Generally speaking, you should always bet aggressively when you have a premium opening hand like a pair of Kings or Queens, or an Ace-King or Ace-Queen combination. Nothing is worse than being beaten by a hand that has lower cards, when you could have won with a higher one. When you bet aggressively, other players will be less likely to go head-to-head against you with a better hand and you’ll be able to make more money.