Poker is a card game that has millions of fans. It’s a game of chance, but also one that involves a lot of skill and strategy. The game has a number of benefits, including promoting focus and discipline. It’s also been known to help with stress levels and can provide a good source of exercise. In addition, it’s an excellent way to meet people and can be a fun social activity for all ages.

The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Some variant games may use multiple decks or add extra cards called jokers. The cards are ranked from highest to lowest: Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10. There are four suits (spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs). Each suit has a different color. The highest hand wins.

Each round of poker has a betting phase that lasts until everyone’s hands are revealed. Each player can then choose to make a bet, raise a bet or fold. The bets are placed into a central pot, which the winning player claims.

The key to success in poker is understanding how to play your hands well. For example, you should always have a high percentage of “foldable” hands. This will help you avoid risking too much money. It is also important to be able to read your opponents. This is known as reading tells and can be done by observing the way they move their bodies, facial expressions and gestures.