Poker is a card game that can be played by two or more players. It is generally played with a standard pack of 52 cards plus one or more jokers (or other wild cards). The objective is to win the pot, which is the total sum of all bets made during a betting interval, by having the highest hand. Typical poker hands include the straight, flush, three of a kind, and the full house.

In most forms of poker, a player must place at least a minimum bet (called an ante or blind bet) to remain in the hand. After the antes and blind bets are placed, the dealer shuffles the cards and then deals each player two cards face up. The player to the right of the dealer may cut if they wish. Then the first of several betting intervals begins.

During the betting rounds, each player can make bets and call or raise bets from their opponents. The higher the bet, the more likely it is that other players will call or raise. Players must have a minimum of five cards in their hand to win the pot.

Position is important in poker because it gives you information that your opponents cannot see. This information is called tells and it can help you to make more informed decisions about your bets. For example, say you have a pair of kings off the deal. The flop comes A-8-5. People will have a hard time putting you on this hand because it is very concealable.