Poker is a card game that involves betting. There are many variations on the game, but the basics are usually the same. A player puts in a small bet (the amount varies by game) before being dealt cards. The highest hand wins the pot. Players usually bet in units of chips, with each chip worth a specific amount (the amount varies by game). A white or light-colored chip is typically worth one unit of money; a red or dark-colored chip is typically worth ten whites.
Betting is done in a clockwise manner around the table. You can say “raise” if you want to add more money to the pot. If you raise, other players must either call your new bet or fold their cards. You can also “call” a bet made by another player if you are holding a strong hand.
A straight contains five consecutive cards of the same suit. A flush contains three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank. A pair contains two cards of the same rank, and a high card breaks ties.
The best hands in poker are made by making aggressive calls and bluffs. A strong bluff will force weaker hands out of the pot and increase the value of your own hand. You should try to play your strongest hands from late positions, as these will allow you to control the action on later betting streets. In addition, late positions allow you to take advantage of other players’ aggression.