Poker is a card game in which players wager money or chips, known as the pot, on the outcome of a hand. It is a popular game in many countries and is played in casinos, private homes, card clubs, and over the Internet. It has been called the national card game of the United States, and its play and jargon permeate American culture.

The rules and strategies of poker vary from one variation to the next, but there are some general principles that apply across all forms of the game. The goal of any poker player is to win the pot, or the aggregate amount of bets made in a single deal. This pot can be won by either having the highest poker hand or by making a bet that no other player calls.

Most poker games are played with a standard set of betting chips. Each player buys in for a certain amount, and then in turn puts a number of chips into the pot equal to or greater than that of the player before him. This process is called “calling.” A player may also say, “raise” when it is his turn, indicating that he wants to add more money to the pot than his predecessor did.

Learning how to read the situation at the table and make decisions accordingly is a key skill. For example, you should never be afraid to fold your hands with high cards, even when you feel like you have the best hand (semi-bluffing). Focus on position, and don’t get too attached to your cards—pairs are often losers on the flop.