Poker is a card game in which players wager on the strength of their hands. The game can be played with two or more people and requires skill and strategy to win. There are many different variations of the game, but they all share some features.

In some cases, the game rules require players to place an initial amount of money into the pot before their cards are dealt. These bets are called forced bets and can take the form of an ante, blinds, or bring-ins. In addition, some games have special rules for how these bets are placed and passed around the table.

When a player wants to increase their chances of winning the hand, they can raise the betting stake by making a Raise. To do this, they must match the previous player’s raise. If the player does not want to bet more, they can Fold and forfeit the round.

A good poker player is able to read the other players and their betting patterns. This is done through observing the player’s body language, such as their breathing, facial expressions, and manner of speaking. They also observe how other players react to their own actions and try to predict how they will play based on the situation.

At the end of each round, players reveal their hands. If the cards in a hand are bad, the player can either bluff or fold. They can also make a strong bet to force players with weaker hands into calling it.