Poker is a card game played between players and is one of the most popular casino games. It is a game that requires quick instincts and good judgment because players do not know the strength or weakness of their opponents’ hands. However, by observing the actions of experienced players, newcomers to poker can learn valuable lessons and develop their own strategies.

In addition to understanding the game’s rules, a player needs to have a firm grasp of the vocabulary used to describe each action taken during a hand. The following glossary will help players become more familiar with the terms of the game.

Antes – A small bet that players contribute to the pot before a hand begins. The amount of money contributed by each player varies, depending on the size of the table and the stakes involved.

Call – To bet the same amount as the player to your right. For example, if the person to your right raises, you would say “call” to match their bet and continue the hand.

Bluff – A move made to mislead your opponent into believing that you have a strong hand when in reality, you do not. Bluffing is an art form and requires a great deal of practice.

A straight contains five consecutive cards of the same suit. A full house consists of three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank. A pair consists of two cards of the same rank and two unmatched cards.