Poker is a family of card games played worldwide. There are hundreds of variations of the game, but most versions follow similar rules.

The game is based on the card ranking system, where players bet a specified amount according to their hand’s rank (high, medium or low) against other players’ hands. When all players have bet, a betting round ends and a showdown occurs, in which the hands are revealed.

A player who has a strong hand can force other weak hands out by making a high bet on the flop, turn or river. This forces weaker hands to fold and increases the pot.

In poker, the player who makes the first bet in a betting interval is called the ante-betor or the ante-player. This bet is a small forced bet that all players must contribute before the hand starts, and it gives the pot a value right away.

When a player is forced to make a bet by being called or raised, they must match the amount of the bet, or they must fold. If they fold, they are out of the hand and lose any chips they have in the pot.

If a player is forced to make a big bet, they can often bluff by raising or calling with a weaker hand. It’s not always easy to bluff, but it’s worth a try!

Some common poker tells include a sigh, nostril flaring or flushing red, a hand over the mouth, eyes watering or blinking excessively, or an increasing pulse seen in the neck or temple. These tells indicate that a player has a strong hand and is probably bluffing.