Poker is a card game in which the players place chips (representing money) into the pot for each betting interval or round. The objective of the game is to win the pot by having the highest-ranked poker hand at the end of the final betting round. There are many different poker games with a wide range of rules, betting procedures and chip values.

The game is played between two or more people and the cards are dealt face up. Each player has two personal cards in their hand and the dealer puts three other cards on the table that anyone can use – this is known as the flop. Then the remaining players get a chance to call, raise or fold.

Once the flop is in place the dealer puts another card on the board that everyone can use – this is called the turn. Then the final betting round takes place and if no one has a high enough poker hand to win then the cards are revealed and the player with the best 5 card poker hand wins the pot.

It is very important to understand the importance of position at the poker table. Having position allows you to open your betting range with stronger hands and take advantage of the mistakes of your opponents. In addition, positioning gives you a huge amount of bluff equity.