In Poker, players make bets using chips that represent money. These are called forced bets and come in the form of antes or blinds. Minimizing losses with poor hands and maximizing winnings with good ones is the key to success in Poker.

Each betting interval, or round, begins when one player, designated by the rules of the game variant being played, puts a number of chips into the pot equal to or higher than the amount put in by the player to his left. The player to his left can either call that bet or raise it. If he raises, the player to his right must call or fold. A player who doesn’t raise can’t continue to play a hand and must drop out of the round.

Once the initial betting round is over, the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that everyone can use (these are called community cards). This is known as the flop. Another betting round takes place before a fourth card is dealt which will be revealed in the Turn. If no one folds after the third betting round then a Showdown is held and the player with the best five card poker hand wins the pot.

Reading the tells of other players is an important skill in Poker. You can learn a lot by studying their eyes, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior. It’s also helpful to be able to read a player’s hand strength from their betting patterns. For instance, a player that always calls but suddenly raises may be holding a big pair.