The game of poker is played using chips that represent money. Each player must place a certain number of chips into the pot before betting. The chips are organized in a specific way depending on the variant of the game being played. The chips have different colors and each color represents a different value. The smallest chip is white and the largest is red. Usually each player buys in for the same amount.

Once each player has two hole cards the first round of betting begins. This is triggered by 2 mandatory bets called blinds that each player puts into the pot before their turn. These bets give players an incentive to play their hand.

After the betting in the first round is complete the dealer deals three community cards face up on the table. This is known as the flop. Once this is done another round of betting takes place.

The dealer then deals one more card face up on the board, this is called the river. The final betting round takes place before the showdown where the best five card poker hand wins the pot.

One of the most important rules when playing poker is knowing when to fold. It is easy to get caught up in your emotions during a hand and make bad decisions because of it. Regardless of whether you are just playing as a hobby or trying to become a professional, it is essential that you always keep your emotions in check. If you start to feel frustration, fatigue or anger while playing poker it is probably time to walk away from the table.