Poker is a card game with betting that involves quite a bit of psychology and probability. It has a significant amount of skill in the long run, especially when players are making their decisions based on that knowledge, and not just on luck or bluffing. However, the skills are only useful if you understand the rules of the game. This article will cover the basics of poker, and give you a foundation to build on.

The first step in learning to play poker is to learn the rules of the game, as well as the hand rankings. The rules of poker form the framework within which you must develop your own strategies to become a winning player.

Each player starts with two cards. The highest ranking hand wins the pot. Ties are broken by looking at the highest card in each of the hands, then the second highest, etc. For example, if you have two distinct pairs of cards and a high card, you have the best hand in the world (although you might still not win the pot).

When it’s your turn to act, you can choose to fold, call or raise. To raise, you must match the last bet or the previous player’s raise. For example, if the person to your right raised $10 and it’s your turn to act, you must raise at least $10 in chips or cash to stay in the hand. This is called calling.