Poker is a card game that is played by two or more players. The object is to make the best hand with the cards you have. This can be done by forming a pair, straight or flush. The hand with the highest ranking wins. The luck element of the game can play a large role in a player’s results, but this can be overcome with bankroll management and studying strategy.

Each player must place a forced bet (either an ante or blind bet) before the dealer begins dealing the cards. Then, each player has a turn to either check, call, or raise. If you raise, you must place the same amount in chips or cash in the pot as the last player did. When you raise, you are saying “I raise” to let everyone know that you have a stronger hand than theirs.

You can also say, “I call” if you want to match the previous player’s raise and stay in the round. However, you can also check if you do not have a strong enough hand to call a raise.

It is important to practice and observe experienced players to develop quick instincts. This will help you decide whether to call or raise, and if so, by how much. Reading about poker theory is also helpful, but it is important to test out the ideas you read in a live game. This will provide valuable feedback on your own skills and help you to improve over time.