Poker is a card game played between a small group of players. It is a game of chance, but skill can significantly improve the results of your play. There are a number of different games of poker, some more popular than others. You can learn the basic rules of poker from books and online resources. Alternatively, you can play with friends to test your skills and improve your game.

After all players have 2 hole cards, there is a round of betting, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. The first player to act can choose to call (match a bet by another player), raise or fold. A player can also bluff in order to win. A good bluff can make up for a weak hand.

The player who has the best 5 card hand wins the pot, or total amount of money bet in a round. Sometimes there are multiple players with the best hands, in which case the winner is decided by a showdown.

Position is important for your range and strategy. Early positions like the SB and BB risk more money. This is because players have less information about your hand. Later positions have more information, so they can more accurately calculate the odds of your opponent having a better hand.

It is important to understand tells, or unconscious habits that reveal the strength of your hand. These can be as simple as a shift in your body language or gesture. Practice and observe experienced players to develop quick instincts.