Poker is the card game played by people around the world. It has hundreds of variations, but all share the same objective of making a good hand. The most popular form of the game is Texas Hold’em, which is what you see on TV and in most casinos. It is also one of the easiest games to learn and can be very profitable for those who master it.

After the cards are dealt, players start betting and reveal their hands. If their cards are higher than the card in the middle, then they win the pot. If their cards are equal to the card in the middle, then they call. If their cards are lower than the card in the middle, then they say stay or hit to indicate whether they want to continue with their current hand or change their strategy.

Players can also add to the betting pool by saying “raise.” The other players will then have a choice of calling your raise or folding. The more chips you put into the pot, the better your chances of winning the pot.

It’s important to be able to read the other players and understand what they are doing. This is often done by watching their body language and reading their facial expressions. It’s also helpful to have a good understanding of poker odds, which will help you make sound decisions. It’s also important to be polite and avoid arguing with other players.