Poker is a betting card game that requires the ability to read opponents and to make good bluffs. It is often played in glitzy casinos or seedy bars and is a popular pastime among many people. It is an ancestor of other card games such as blackjack and rummy.

To play poker, you will need a table, cards, and chips. A standard game usually involves 7 players. There are several types of chips: white, red, and blue. Each chip is worth a different amount. A white chip is worth a minimum ante or bet; a red chip is worth five whites; and a blue chip is worth two, four, or five reds.

A round of betting is started when each player receives his or her 2 hole cards. Then, another card is dealt face up. This is called the flop. Then a second round of betting begins. The player to the left of the dealer makes a mandatory bet known as the blind before anyone else can place his or her chips in the pot.

After the flop, you can choose to raise your bet by saying “raise” or “call.” A raise means that you want to add more money to the pot than the last person. A call means that you will bet the same amount as the last person. You can also fold, which means that you will not add any more money to the pot. This is a good option if you have a weak hand and do not wish to risk losing your entire stack of chips.