A card game involving betting, poker involves a combination of luck and skill. It requires patience and a steady progression of practice. You can start playing poker by participating in low-stakes cash games or micro-tournaments to learn the rules of the game, develop your skills, and become comfortable with how to play.

When it’s your turn to bet, say “call” or “I call” to make a bet equal to the last player’s raise. Then place your chips or cash in the pot. You can also fold at any time before it’s your turn to bet.

There are many possible poker hands, and each hand has a different value. The higher the value of your hand, the more likely it is to win the pot. High hands include pairs, three of a kind, straights, and flushes. The highest pair wins ties, and the high card breaks ties when nobody has a pair.

It’s important to keep your emotions in check at the table, especially when you are losing a lot of money. It’s easy to get discouraged and give up on improving your poker skills. Keeping your cool and staying focused will help you avoid bad beats and keep moving up in stakes. The more you study and play poker, the better you’ll become. But don’t forget that the most important source of learning is your own experience playing.