Poker is a card game that involves betting and the use of strategy. The outcome of any individual hand is largely dependent on chance, but long-run expectations are determined by a player’s actions chosen on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory.

There are several important rules of poker that must be followed to play the game correctly. First, players must be respectful of other players’ privacy and do not discuss their hands with others at the table. Doing so can give away information and distract other players. This is especially true if the discussion is about a strong hand that the other player folded.

Another important rule is that players must wait to act until it is their turn. Acting out of turn gives opponents more information and can hurt your win rate. Finally, it is important to have good position at the table. This will allow you to make better value bets and help you defend your strong hands against weaker ones.

A game of poker is typically played with a maximum of seven players. There are a variety of poker variants, but most involve dealing a complete hand of cards to each player and betting on the strength of that hand. The player with the best hand wins. The game also involves “side pots,” which are created when one or more players go all-in on the last betting round. Side pots are separate from the main pot and are only eligible to be won by players who contributed money to it.