Poker is a game of chance, but there’s a lot of psychology and skill involved in playing it well. To be a great poker player, you need to have quick instincts. Practice and observe experienced players to build up your skills.

Before the hand is dealt each player must place a small bet (this amount varies by game) into the pot called an ante. This puts everyone in the hand on equal footing and makes it difficult for someone to fold without a good reason.

After the ante is placed the dealer deals two cards face up to the table and then places another card face up on the board that anyone can use. This is the flop. Everyone gets one last chance to bet, raise or fold.

If a player has the highest hand after this betting round then they win the pot. If there is a tie then the high card breaks the tie. If there is still a tie, then the players who have the high pair, the three of a kind or the flush wins the pot.

The remaining players then reveal their hands. The person with the highest poker hand wins the pot and there are usually side pots for people who have folded or made an all-in bet. These side pots are often split between the players that have the winning hands and the people who have contributed to the all-in player’s chips.