Poker is a card game where you compete with other players. The goal is to make the best five-card hand possible. The highest hand wins the pot. The game involves a lot of chance, but in the long run winning strategies are chosen on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory.

Every player puts a small amount of money into the pot before they see their cards (the amount varies by game). This creates an initial sum and encourages competition. Players may raise their bets if they think their hand is strong enough. If a player raises their bet, everyone else can call it or fold.

Once the betting interval is over there is a showdown. Each player shows their cards face up and the person with the best hand takes the pot. If there is a tie, the dealer wins.

Beginner players often overplay their hands. They think that since they put in a bet, they might as well stay in the hand and try to win it. This is a mistake. Even experienced players will lose hands that they could have won if they had folded. It is important to learn when to fold, especially in the early stages of your poker career.