Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involves betting. Each player has a set of cards and the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. Various variants of the game exist, but they all involve chance, strategy, and psychology. The game has become increasingly popular since the early 21st century, when the invention of hole-card cameras made it possible for viewers to follow the action and drama in live tournaments.

Depending on the rules of the game, one or more players must place an initial amount of money into the pot before cards are dealt. This is known as an ante or blind bet and it gives the player(s) a chance to improve their hands before the flop, turn, or river. During the betting phase players may also bluff. A bluff is a bet that the player does not have a good hand and is made to induce other players to call their bets, thus revealing the strength of their hands.

During the first round of betting, players with a strong hand will usually raise their bets to deter other players from calling. This is a key strategy in the game of poker because it allows stronger hands to win the pot without having to call every bet made by weaker ones. In addition, raising your bets will make your bluffs more effective. During this time you should pay close attention to other players. You should notice their tells, such as scratching their nose or playing nervously with their chips. This will help you read them and make more profitable decisions.