Poker is a card game for two or more players. A complete hand of cards is dealt to each player, and the player with the best hand wins.
Each player puts in an amount of money called chips to the pot before being dealt a hand. These chips are usually colored and worth a specific amount. Typically, each white chip is worth the minimum ante, while red chips are worth five whites.
As the betting progresses, players can say “call” to match a previous player’s bet (or raise). They can also fold their hand by turning it into the dealer. If they have a strong hand, they can raise their bet again.
Bluffing is an integral part of poker, but beginners should start by learning relative hand strength before trying any bluffs. Getting caught while bluffing can be costly, and it’s not always easy to conceal.
For example, suppose you have pocket fives and the flop comes A-8-5. Other players may think that you have three-of-a-kind and raise your bet.
Luckily, there are some tells that can help you spot when an opponent is bluffing. For example, if the player is shaking their head or holding their breath, they are probably nervous. Their face might be flushed, and their eyes might be watery or blinking. Some players also place their hands over their mouth or temples to hide smiles. These are all classic tells that indicate a possible bluff.