Poker is a card game in which players place bets on the outcome of a hand, determined by the cards that are randomly distributed to them. It involves skill, strategy and chance, and is played by millions of people around the world.

When the player to their left raises a bet, players must choose whether to call (match the amount of chips put into the pot by their predecessor) or fold. They may also raise the bet themselves. If they raise, they must continue raising until the betting interval ends or they drop (dropping means that they have no more chips to put into the pot and thus forfeit the hand).

The player’s two personal cards in their hand are called hole cards. If one of those cards shows up on the flop or turn or river, that improves the player’s hand. For instance, if there is one heart on the board and the player has a pair of kings in their hand, they have “hit the nuts” (the best possible poker hand).

Practice and watch experienced players to develop quick instincts. It is important to learn how to read the table and the opponent’s body language. It is also helpful to understand that all poker games are different and no one system of playing works for every game.