Poker is a card game that requires skills of reading opponents and understanding odds. It also involves the ability to keep a cool demeanor while making big bluffs.

During each betting interval, or round, the player to the left of the dealer makes a bet of one or more chips. Players can choose to “call” that bet, which means they put the same amount of money into the pot as the previous player; or they can raise it, which increases the bet and forces weaker hands out. Players can also “fold,” which means they discard their cards and leave the table for the remainder of the round.

The earliest history of the game is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in China before becoming popular in Europe in the 17th century. The game quickly became a global phenomenon, and it’s now played in casinos and private homes across the world.

To play poker well, it’s important to develop a solid range of starting hands. The best starting hands include pocket pairs, suited aces, and broadway hands. You should also practice bluffing, as this can be an effective way to steal chips from your opponents. To improve your bluffing, read up on the theory of poker and try out different strategies in live games. Make sure to play at only one table, so you can study your opponents and take the time to think about each decision. You should also make a note of whether or not the strategy you tried worked, or didn’t work.