Poker is a card game in which players compete for an amount of money (or chips) contributed by each player (the pot). Each player attempts to control the total amount of the pot based on his or her own hand and on predictions about the hands of the opponents.

When the players have all received their cards, there is a round of betting, beginning with the player to the left of the dealer. Each player may either call the bet, in which case he must put into the pot at least as many chips as the total contribution by the player before him, or raise the bet, in which case he puts in more than the minimum.

After the betting has been completed, 2 additional cards are dealt face up in what is called the flop. Then another round of betting begins, again starting with the player to the left of the dealer.

When learning poker, it is important to play tight. This means only playing strong hands and raising the pot as much as possible. Beginners should also avoid bluffing too much, as this could lead to losses. It is also important to set limits on your money and not to play beyond what you can afford to lose, this will save you from losing too much. In addition, if you find yourself in a bad situation emotionally, it is better to fold rather than risk more money trying to win back what you have lost.