Poker is a card game in which players place voluntarily bets into a common pot based on expected value. While the outcome of individual hands significantly involves chance, the long-run expectations of players are determined by actions they choose on the basis of probability theory, psychology, and game theory.

To begin the game each player must purchase a set of chips, which are assigned a specific value according to the rules of the game being played. Usually, a white chip is worth the minimum ante or bet amount; a red chip is equal to five whites; and a blue chip is worth 10 or 20 whites.

After the initial shuffle and bets are made a dealer deals each player two cards face down. Depending on the variation of poker being played, some players may receive additional cards or draw replacement cards during the first round of betting. Typically, all bets are placed into the central pot.

Once the first betting round is complete the dealer will deal three more cards face up on the table. These are community cards that anyone can use to create a poker hand. This is called the flop. After the flop betting continues with players deciding whether to call, raise, or fold.

If you have a strong poker hand, like pocket kings or pocket queens, bet at it. This will force other players to fold and increase the value of your hand. If you have a weak poker hand, it is better to check and fold rather than continuing to bet money at a hand that is unlikely to win.