Poker is a card game where you place bets to see who has the best hand. It is possible to win without having the best cards if you are able to make your opponents scared of your bets and fold (by bluffing). Poker is a social game and a great way to spend time with friends.

The game is played using chips, the amount varies by game and the most common ones are white and red. Each chip is worth the minimum ante/bet and a player may bet with either one or both of them depending on the situation.

When a betting round begins the dealer deals each player two cards face down. These are called your personal cards. Then he puts three more cards on the table that anyone can use. This is called the flop. Players can now choose to call, raise or fold.

A high card beats a lower card. It is important to know this before you start playing. This will help you to identify your opponent’s styles and make more informed decisions. For example, it is easy to spot a conservative player who only stays in the hand when they have a good hand. Aggressive players, on the other hand, will often bet big early in the hand and can be more difficult to read. Knowing your opponents can make your game much easier and improve your chances of winning.