Poker is a card game with many different variants, but all involve betting and some element of skill. It has become more popular since the 21st century due to online and television coverage of major tournaments, which has made it possible for even novice players to follow the action.

The game begins with everyone putting up the ante, which is usually a small amount of money. Once the antes are in, the dealer deals two cards face down to each player. Once everyone checks their cards they can choose to stay or fold. If they stay, they must then raise the amount of money they are putting in the pot.

When the flop is dealt, the dealer puts three more cards face up on the table that anyone can use. This is called the turn and it gives players a chance to raise or fold their hands.

When deciding how much to bet, it is important to take into account previous action, stack depth, and pot odds. It is also helpful to study your own past hands and those of other players. By watching past hands, you can learn what mistakes not to make in the future. It’s also important to pay attention to your opponents and their tells, such as fidgeting with their chips or wearing a hat, which may give away their strength or weakness. You should always aim to bet at the right time in order to get the most money for your hand.