Poker is a game of chance in which players wager chips (representing money) and compete to make the highest-ranked hand possible. The game is played by a number of people sitting around a table and, depending on the variant of poker being played, the cards may be dealt face up or face down.
During a hand, the dealer deals all of the players a set number of cards and the game begins. The player to his left, called the button, is the first to act and has the option to call, raise, or fold his hand. Once the button has made his decision, the rest of the players take their turns in the same order as they were dealt their cards.
In order to maximize the likelihood of winning a hand, it is important to play your position intelligently. If you bet too small, you could be exposed to a re-raise and end up losing to a better hand, and if you bet too big, you might miss out on an opportunity to steal some blind bets from an opponent.
As with any skill-based game, the best way to improve is through practice and repetition. While many books exist that give specific advice for particular hands, it is important to develop a strategy through detailed self-examination and also to discuss your play with others for a more objective look at your strengths and weaknesses. The more you practice, the faster and better your instincts will become.