Poker is a card game in which players wager money on the cards they receive from a random distribution. The player with the highest-ranked hand wins all of the money. The game has some strategic elements but is primarily a game of chance with low skill requirements.

Before the first round of betting begins, each player must place a mandatory bet into the pot (the total amount of money bet during the hand) called the blinds. These bets provide an incentive for people to play the hand and create a pot that everyone can win.

After each player has placed their bets, two cards are dealt to each person – one face down and one face up. Players then have the option to fold, call or raise (bet more than a previous player).

There are four rounds of betting in poker: before the flop, after the flop, after the turn and after the river. Each round of betting starts with the player to the left of the dealer.

As in all card games, a good strategy is important. The key to winning is to extract the most value from your winning hands and minimise losses with your losing ones. The best way to do this is to study your opponent’s betting patterns and adjust your own bet sizes accordingly. This is also known as min-maxing. It is possible to develop your own strategy by studying books on the subject or discussing strategies with other players.