Poker is a family of card games, which are played worldwide. They vary in deck configuration, the number of cards dealt face up or face down, and the rules that govern one or more rounds of betting.

Usually, each player is required to make a forced bet before the cards are dealt: an ante (in some variants) or a blind bet (in others). The dealer deals the appropriate number of cards to the players one at a time and then shuffles them.

The cards are dealt clockwise around the table. The player to the left of the big blind acts first in this round by folding, calling the big blind, or raising the big blind; if no one raises the big blind, the small blind is the next person to act.

If no other player calls or raises the bet, a new betting interval begins and the betting is rounded off. This process is repeated until the betting interval ends or all the players have checked, which means no one has made a bet in that betting interval.

It is important to develop quick instincts when playing poker. Practicing and watching other players play will help you learn how to react quickly and effectively.