Poker is a card game in which players wager money on the outcome of a hand. The game has significant elements of chance, but the long-run expectations of players are determined by their actions, which they choose on the basis of probability, psychology, and game theory. Players place bets into the pot voluntarily, and can raise, call, or fold depending on the expected value of their hand and the betting action at the table.

In a typical game, the players each receive two cards for a starting hand. There are 13 card ranks, so there are 169 different combinations of starting hands. There are then one or more betting intervals, during which the players can either call a bet placed by the player to their left or raise it.

During a betting interval, players can also replace cards in their hands if they wish, depending on the rules of the game being played. The highest hand wins the pot. Ties are broken using the high card, or, in some cases, the second highest hand.

A significant element of skill in Poker is reading your opponents and understanding their body language. This is sometimes called reading tells and can be a very profitable strategy when used effectively. However, it is important to remember that Poker is a game of chance and you must be prepared for your luck to run out at any time. Ultimately, the best strategy is to play against players who you have a large skill edge over.