Poker is a card game of skill, strategy, and chance. It is believed to be an ancestor of other modern card games like blackjack and rummy. It is a fast-paced card game with many betting rounds. It is best played with a group of friends and can be very fun and exciting.

Poker starts with a standard pack of 52 cards (though some variants use more than one deck). The cards are ranked in ascending order from high to low: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. There are four suits, though not all are necessarily the same, but the rank of each suit does matter. Some cards may also be wild, which can change the ranking or meaning of a hand.

Depending on the rules of the game, one or more players are required to place an initial amount into the pot before the cards are dealt, which is called a forced bet. This bet is usually made before the flop.

After the flop, players receive 5 new cards into their hands. The goal is to make the best five-card hand. The highest hand wins the pot.

To do this, you must have quick instincts and a solid understanding of the game. Practice and observe experienced players to build these instincts.