Poker is one of the most popular games in the world. It has a rich history, and is played by millions of people around the world both online and offline. There are many ways to play poker, but the most popular are cash games and tournaments. The goal of each is to win money by having the best hand at the end of the game (or showdown). This can be done by bluffing or by having a good hand and being able to read other players.

In a betting interval, the player to the left of the dealer puts a number of chips into the pot called the “pot”. Each player then has the option to either call that bet by putting in the same amount of chips or to raise it. If a player raises, the other players must either call or fold their hand.

If you have a strong poker hand, it is usually worth raising the pot to force weaker hands out of the game. However, if you have a bad hand, it is generally better to just call the bet and hope for a good card.

Practice and watch experienced players to develop quick instincts about how to play the game. Also, learn about the different poker variations to expand your knowledge of the game. There are several important differences between poker and other card games. For example, a pair of two identical cards is considered a low pair, while a straight is the highest card hand.