Poker is a card game where players make decisions with incomplete information. Each action taken at the table – including folding, calling, raising and checking – communicates something to your opponents and helps them build a story about your hand. In addition, subtle physical tells also play a role.

Players start with 2 cards and then a betting round begins. Once the first round is complete the dealer puts 3 cards on the table that anyone can use (called the flop). There is another betting round and then a showdown. The player with the best 5 card hand wins the pot of chips.

Top players often fast-play their strong hands, meaning they bet a lot early in the hand. This builds the pot and can also chase off other players who are waiting for a stronger hand to beat yours.

Say “call” if you want to make a bet equal to the last person’s bet. You can also say “raise” if you want to increase the size of your bet.

You can find a lot of good poker strategy books and online guides but one of the most important things you can do is watch other players play. This will help you to understand their mistakes and to avoid making them yourself. It will also help you to learn from their success and analyze the reasoning behind their moves. A lot of the best players in the world are able to read their opponents extremely well and this is because they spend a huge amount of time watching other players play!