Poker is a card game that involves betting by placing chips in a pot. Players have to decide whether to call (accept the bet), fold, or raise the bet. Players can also add more money to the pot by tapping on the table, which is known as a check. The player who raises the highest bet wins the pot.

Poker can be played by any number of people, although the ideal number is 6 to 8 players. The game is very social and can be a lot of fun. However, there are some important rules to remember.

For instance, always be polite and respect other players. If you are unsure about something, ask another player for clarification. Also, don’t be a rabbit and dig through other players’ folded hands when the hand is over – this slows down play and can give away your own cards. If you think that there has been cheating, try to bring it to the attention of the dealer.

It’s also a good idea to do several shuffles before betting, and be careful not to reveal your cards. Keeping your cards secret is key to success in poker, and expert players know how to hide their tells. Tells are unconscious, physical signs of what kind of hand you have – they can include body language and facial expressions such as rubbing your eyes or biting your nails.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to position, since you’ll have more information than your opponents when it is your turn to act. This will help you make more accurate value bets.