Poker is a card game in which players try to assemble the highest-valued hand of cards. The game is traditionally played for cash or chips. Its history dates back to ancient times and has many variations. The game can be played by 2 to 14 people and may involve betting. Players place mandatory bets, called blinds, before they receive their cards, creating an immediate pot and encouraging competition.

The first step in learning poker is to memorize the order of the different hands, which include a royal flush, straight, four of a kind, and three of a kind. Knowing these rules will help you determine if your cards are worth calling or if you should fold.

Once you’ve learned the basic hand rankings, it’s time to start playing! It’s important to remember that poker is a game of chance, but the more you play, the better you will get. Try to practice with friends and read some books on the subject to improve your knowledge of the game.

In addition to recognizing the hands, it’s also important to understand the betting system. When it’s your turn to act, you can say “call” to match the amount of money that the player in front of you has raised. If you want to raise the stakes, you must say “raise.” The goal of poker is to win the pot, which is the total sum of all bets made on a hand.