Poker is a card game that requires skill to win. It has a lot of variations, but all are played with cards and chips. It is a fun game to play, but it can also be dangerous to your wallet. To make sure you’re winning, you must have a good strategy and the right mindset. You should also be aware of other players’ tells and body language.

The game begins with the players placing mandatory bets called “blinds” into the pot before any cards are dealt. These bets give the players an incentive to play their hands. The player to the left of the button deals the first hand. A standard 52-card pack is used, although two packs of contrasting colors are often utilized in order to speed up the deal. Once all the players have 2 cards, a 3rd card is then dealt face up. This is known as the flop. There is another round of betting, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.

A 5th and final card is then dealt face up – the river. A final round of betting is then made by the players with the best 5 card poker hand. The winner of the main pot is determined by adding the value of all bets placed at each previous round. There may be multiple winners of side pots as well.