The game of poker, in its many forms, is played between two or more players and is centered on betting intervals with the goal of winning the pot. Each player puts into the pot a number of chips (representing money, as poker is almost always played for money) equal to or greater than that contributed by the players before him. A player may make a bet at any time during a betting interval.
After each round of betting, players reveal their cards and the player with the best hand wins. This process is known as a showdown. If a player has no valid showdown hand, they must fold, leaving the remaining players to continue betting into the pot.
If your opponent raises and you can’t call, you must either fold or make a larger bet to remain in the pot. You must also fold if you have a weak hand, such as a pair of 6s.
The key to becoming a great poker player is to develop quick instincts and learn to read the game. Practice and watch experienced players to learn how they react to various situations. This will help you to develop your own strategies and improve your game over time. Keep in mind that you only get out what you put in, so the more time you spend studying, the faster you’ll see improvement.