Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involves betting with real money. It is a game of chance and skill, where the best players understand how to maximize their winnings by reading their opponents. Poker has become a popular pastime and even a source of income for many people around the world.

Depending on the rules of the poker variant being played, one or more players are required to place an initial amount of money into the pot before any cards are dealt. This money is called forced bets and comes in the form of antes, blinds, or bring-ins. Besides these mandatory bets, players may also place additional money into the pot voluntarily for strategic reasons.

Once all players have received their hole cards, there is a round of betting that starts with the player to the left of the dealer. A second card is then dealt face up, which is known as the flop. Another round of betting follows, and players can discard their cards and take new ones from the deck if they wish.

A hand is declared the winner of the pot if it meets any of the following criteria: A straight: 5 consecutive cards of the same rank, not necessarily in order or from the same suit. A pair: Two cards of the same rank, plus three unmatched side cards. Three of a kind: Three matching cards of the same rank, plus 2 other unmatched cards.