Poker is a family of card games where players wager on which hand is best. These games vary in deck configuration, the number of cards dealt, and the rules involved with betting rounds.

To play poker, each player “buys in” by placing a predetermined amount of chips into the pot (known as an ante). After putting in their antes, each player receives two cards face down. The dealer shuffles the cards, and deals them to each player in turn.

Next, a player can bet into the pot by making a bet of their own chips; this is called a “call.” The next player can either “call” the bet and put in the same number of chips as the first player or they can raise the bet and put in more chips than the previous player.

The third and final round of betting involves the dealer revealing a fifth card to all the players, called the river. This is the final betting round and, if no one has made a bet during this or any of the other rounds, the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

Regardless of whether you’re playing poker for fun or to make money, it’s important to enjoy your time in the game. If you’re feeling frustrated or tired, don’t continue to play. You’re probably wasting your time and you could be losing a lot of money!