Poker is a card game where players make decisions based on incomplete information. Each action — fold, call, check, or raise — communicates bits of information to the other players, who then piece them together to build a story about your hand. Sometimes this tells them that you have a good hand, and other times it gives them reason to believe that you have a bad one.

Each betting interval, or round, begins with 2 mandatory bets called blinds (put into the pot by the first two seats to the left of the dealer). A player can choose to “call” a bet by putting in chips equal to or more than the amount put in by the preceding player, or they can “raise,” meaning that they are adding an additional amount of money to the pot.

Generally speaking, the more players in a hand, the lower the probability of making a strong hand. However, a player can still win the pot if they have a good enough hand and the other players don’t call or raise their bets.

Watch experienced players and try to figure out what they are likely holding in a given situation. This will help you develop quick instincts and improve your game. You can also learn from watching experienced players’ mistakes and challenging situations, so that you know what to look out for in your own play. You should also study different poker strategies and techniques to expand your range of moves.