Poker is a card game played between two or more players and involves betting on the strength of a hand. The game has many variants but the basic rules are similar. The player with the best hand wins all of the chips in the pot. There are also rules for how the money won by the winner is shared amongst the other players.

The first round of betting begins after all players receive their 2 hole cards. Then 1 more card is dealt face up and another round of betting begins. If you have a strong hand, you can bet at it to force weaker hands out of the game. You can also fold if your hand is bad and try to bluff later on.

There are many different ways to win poker, and the strategy you use can change depending on your opponent’s betting patterns. Learn how to identify conservative players from aggressive ones and you’ll be able to read them better. For example, conservative players will often avoid raising early in a hand because they are afraid to be called on their bluffs. This is a mistake, because it allows other players to exploit them and take advantage of their fear.

In the 21st century, poker became more popular than ever before thanks to the internet and the invention of a hole-card camera that made it possible for people to watch games on television. In addition, poker tournaments and shows such as the World Series of Poker brought in huge audiences.