Poker is a card game that involves betting between two or more players. It’s a fast-paced game with lots of turns as the players check, call and raise each other. The player who makes the best 5-card hand wins all the money in the pot. It’s possible for the players to tie for the best hand, in which case the pot is split among them.

It’s important to know the rules of Poker before you play. This will allow you to understand the game better and make wise decisions. It’s also important to learn how to read other people’s body language. This is called “reading tells” and it can give you a huge advantage in poker. Look for clues like a player’s eye movements, tics and idiosyncrasies in their betting behavior.

When you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with low-stakes games. This way, you can get accustomed to the game without risking too much of your hard-earned cash. You can then build your comfort level with risk-taking over time by taking bigger risks in higher stakes games.

Remember that even the most successful poker players had to start somewhere. Don’t get discouraged if you lose your first few hands – just learn from them and continue practicing to improve your skills.