Poker is a game of betting where players try to win the pot, which is all money bet during one round. It may be won by either having the best five-card hand or by raising a bet to an amount that the other players can’t call.

The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion to each player, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. Each player can choose to call, raise, or fold during his turn. If he calls, he must place chips into the pot equal to the total staked since the last raise. If he raises, he must place chips into the pot of equal value to what the player before him raised.

If a player’s hand doesn’t play, he can fold his cards and give up the right to win the pot. He can also bluff, although he has to risk losing all of his money in order to get the pot.

A good rule of thumb is to call when you have a decent hand and fold when you don’t. However, there are times when a strong bluff can win the pot even when you have a bad hand. The most important thing to remember when playing poker is that it’s a game of emotion. Observe your opponents’ reactions to the cards, and note who flinches or smiles. This will add a dimension to the story you’re telling.