Poker is a card game where players compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by the players themselves (called the pot). The game involves a considerable degree of chance, but over time it becomes a game of skill and psychology.

At the beginning of a hand, each player purchases a number of poker chips in accordance with the rules of the variant being played. Each chip represents a specific value, with a white chip being worth the minimum ante or bet and a red one being worth five whites. The first player to purchase chips places them in the pot (also known as an all-in).

Once everyone has purchased their chips and placed them in the pot, the dealer (who is usually a non-player) begins to deal the cards. After each deal, the deck is shuffled and offered to the opponent on the left for a cut (the right to do so passes clockwise from player to player).

Each round of betting takes place once all players have either called, raised or folded. A player may also put all of his or her remaining chips into the pot in a single raise, which is referred to as going all-in.

Position is key in poker as it gives you a good idea of what type of hand your opponents are holding. This allows you to make informed decisions about whether or not to bluff, as you can often determine what type of hands are in the air.