Poker is a card game for two to 14 players, played with chips that represent money. The objective of the game is to win the pot, which is the total amount of all bets made during a hand. Players can win the pot with a high-ranking hand or by making a bet that no one calls. The game is a popular pastime and has many different variants.

There are several rules that must be followed when playing poker. The first is that each player must place an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. This is known as a forced bet and comes in the form of an ante, blind, or bring-in.

Once each player has received their two hole cards, there is a round of betting. This is started by the player to the left of the dealer who places 2 mandatory bets into the pot called blinds. The player to the left of him then has the choice of calling, raising, or folding his hand.

A key aspect of the game is observing other players and learning their tells. This includes noticing their body language, idiosyncrasies, and betting behavior. For example, a player who frequently calls and then suddenly raises may be holding an incredible hand. Beginners should learn to read opponents by focusing on these tells and attempting to understand what the players are trying to tell them. This will help them to better adjust their own strategies and improve their play.