Poker is one of the most popular card games around — and for good reason: it’s a great way to relax with friends, and it requires an element of skill to read opponents and make big bluffs. But if you’re just starting out, it can be intimidating to figure out the rules. So we’ve gathered the basics here to help you get started.

Before cards are dealt, one or more players are required to place an initial amount of money into the pot — this is called the ante or blind bet (it’s usually cash and is placed in front of the player who holds the dealer button). Once all of these forced bets have been made, the shuffle, cut, and deal begin. Cards are dealt either face-up or face-down, depending on the game and its variants.

In the betting round, you can raise your bet by saying “raise” or “all-in.” A raise adds more money to the pot and forces all other players to either call your new bet or fold their hand. You can also fold if you believe your hand is weak and don’t want to risk any more chips.

If you have a strong hand, be sure to keep betting on it. This will force your opponent to fold, and you might be able to nab some of their chips. A strong hand includes two matching cards of the same rank, three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, or a straight.