The game of Poker is a card game that involves betting. Although some players think it is a game of chance, there is actually quite a bit of skill involved in the game when a player’s chips are at stake.

Before the first betting round begins, each player must buy in for a set amount of money. This is usually done by placing a white or light-colored chip in the center of the table. Each chip is worth a certain amount of money, such as the minimum ante or blind bet. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to each player one at a time.

After the initial betting round is complete the dealer puts three additional cards face up in the middle of the table that anyone can use. This is known as the flop. The players with the best 5 card hand win the pot. If there is a tie, the highest card breaks it.

When you’re in late position, you can control the size of the pot on later betting streets. That allows you to get more value from your strong hands, and to defend against aggression by calling re-raises with weak or mediocre hands. Be sure to avoid limping with weak hands out of position, as this gives your opponents an idea of the strength of your hand and will likely cause them to raise. It’s also important to be able to read your opponents. There are many books on the subject, and it’s also helpful to discuss your hands with winning players to gain a more objective view of your own strategy.