Poker is a card game that can be played with any number of players. The object is to win the “pot,” which is the sum of all bets made in a given deal. A player wins the pot by having a high-ranking Poker hand or by betting so aggressively that no other player calls.

To start the game, players buy in by placing chips into a pot. Each chip has a specific value, depending on the Poker variant being played. Generally, a white chip is worth the minimum ante or bet amount; red chips are worth five whites; and blue chips are worth 25 whites.

After the antes and blind bets have been placed, the dealer shuffles the cards. Then each player, in turn, has the option to cut (remove a card from the pack). After each round of dealing, there is a betting interval. During the betting interval, one player must either “call” the bet by putting in as many chips as the previous player, or raise the bet. A player may also drop, or fold.

A good Poker player must be able to read tells, or nonverbal signals that give away a person’s intentions. For example, if a player blinks excessively or chews gum while they play, it could be a sign that they are trying to mask nervousness. Keeping an eye on these small details can make the difference between winning and losing.