Poker is a card game in which players form a hand of 5 cards based on card rankings and try to win the pot at the end of each betting round. The poker rules are simple and straightforward, but learning how to play the game effectively is an art and a science. The science comes in sticking to best practices and being disciplined about making decisions that are in your favor, but the art is in knowing when to break those rules in a way that increases your chances of winning.

During the course of a poker hand, each player will make several decisions, including whether to call or raise. Each action gives away bits of information about the strength or weakness of your opponent’s hand, and knowing how to read those signals is critical. You can communicate strength by checking or calling, and you can indicate weakness by raising. The timing of your actions is also important.

Once all players have 2 hole cards, there will be a round of betting that begins with the player to the left of the dealer. This is called the flop. After the flop is revealed, another round of betting takes place. This time the betting is started by a mandatory bet called blinds that are put into the pot by the two players to the left of the dealer.

If you have a good hand and want to stay in the pot, say “call” or “I call” to match the bet just made by the player before you. However, if you don’t have a good hand, you should usually fold rather than call or raise again. Doing so will minimize your risk and save you money in the long run.