Poker is a card game in which players wager chips on the outcome of a hand. It is a game of chance, but there are ways to improve your odds by studying the game and understanding the rules. The game is played in a circle of players and each player has a set amount of chips that they can bet during the course of a hand. Players can also raise their bets to increase the stakes of a hand.

In order to play the game, players are dealt five cards. They can then discard and replace them with other cards to create a poker hand. The highest poker hand wins the pot.

The game begins with one player putting in a forced bet, usually the ante or blind bet. The dealer shuffles the cards and then deals them to the players in rotation, starting with the player on their left. The dealer may then offer the shuffled pack to the player on their right for a cut.

Players can say “call” if they wish to place a bet that matches the last player’s. They can also raise their bet if they wish to put in more money than the previous player did.

When you’re in a good position to make a winning hand, it is essential that you bet aggressively. Many beginners don’t bet enough, which limits their win-rate. Fortunately, there are several situations when a little well-timed aggression can boost your bottom line.