Poker is a card game played between two or more players. It is a fast-paced game with the players betting in turn. The player who has the highest hand wins.

There are many catchy expressions associated with Poker, none more famous than this: “Play the Player, Not the Cards.” This simply means that your poker hand is only as good as it compares to the hands of your opponents. The more aggressive you are in betting, the more likely you are to win.

When you have a strong opening hand, such as a pair of Kings or Aces, it is important to bet heavily. This will force weaker hands to fold and will put you in a strong position when the flop, turn and river come in.

Typically, Poker is played with 5 or 6 players. Each player has 3 cards, one face-down and two face-up. The player to the left of the dealer cuts the cards after they are shuffled. Then, play proceeds clockwise around the table until all players have checked their hands or raised a bet.

If the person to your left raises a bet, you can say “I call” or “calling bet” to match the amount they bet. You can also say “I’m raising” to raise your own bet. It’s important to know how much you should bet so that you don’t lose your money too quickly. The best way to do this is to practice and watch experienced players to build your instincts.