Poker is a card game that involves betting, raising and folding to make the best possible hand. It is one of the most popular card games in the world and can be found in almost every country where people play cards. It’s a great way to socialize with friends or make new ones, and it can also be very addictive.

The basic rules of poker are simple, but there are many variations on the game. Players place bets called chips in a pot, or “the pot,” and each player must raise or fold their hand according to the rules of the particular poker variant being played. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. The game can be very addictive and it’s important to know your limits. Play only with money you’re comfortable losing, and never spend more than your bankroll allows.

Before the cards are dealt, the two players to the left of the dealer must put in a bet called the small blind and the player to their right must place a bet called the big blind. Then the dealer deals everyone two cards. Depending on the poker variant being played, there may be one or more betting intervals before the flop.

Your position in the betting order affects your starting hand range and strategy. The earlier you are in the betting sequence, the more risk you take. Players in late positions have more information about their opponents and can often take advantage of this.