Poker is a card game in which players bet in turn about the value of their hands. They may also bluff, in which case they make a bet that other players must call or fold, if they hold a better hand. Poker is a very social game and it can be very addictive, especially for newcomers to the game.

To play the game of poker you will need a set of cards, some chips and a place to sit down. If you are a beginner it is best to start with small stakes games, as this will allow you to minimize your bankroll and avoid going broke. You will also find the swings in these games much smaller than in higher stakes.

Each player starts with two personal cards, and then five community cards are dealt on the table. The best hand wins the pot. A pair is two matching cards of the same rank. A full house is three matching cards of one rank and two unmatched cards. A straight is five cards that are in consecutive order and from the same suit. A flush is five cards of the same rank but from different suits.

A key aspect of poker strategy is knowing when to raise and when to fold. It is usually better to raise than to limp, but be sure to take your opponent’s tells into account. A tell is a clue that you have a strong hand, such as fiddling with your chips or looking at the table.