Poker is a card game played between two or more players. It is usually played with a standard 52-card deck, although some games include jokers or other wild cards. The game is primarily a betting game, with the player with the highest hand winning. There are a number of different strategies that can be employed in the game, including bluffing, raising and checking. There are also a number of unwritten rules of etiquette that must be followed in order to keep the game fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.

To begin playing the game, each player must put up a small amount of money, called an ante, in order to be dealt a card. Once everyone has antes in, a round of betting begins. The player to the left of the dealer makes a mandatory bet, known as the blind, and then each player can choose whether or not to call the bet, raise it, or fold their hand.

Once the betting is complete, a single card is then dealt face up and another round of betting starts. This is called the flop and it is possible to make a variety of hands at this stage, including straights, flushes and three of a kind. The player with the best five-card hand wins.

In addition to the basic rules of the game, there are a number of important poker etiquette rules that must be followed in order to ensure the game is played fairly. For example, players should not talk about their hands while they are still in the hand and should try to avoid calling re-raises with weak or marginal hands. It is also important to pay attention to the way other players are acting, as a large part of successful poker play involves reading other players and understanding their tendencies.

There are a number of different poker books and online courses that can help new players understand the basics of the game. Some of these courses are free and others require a small fee. It is important to choose a good course that provides quality instruction from an experienced instructor.

The basic rules of poker are pretty simple, but there is a lot to learn about the game. The most important thing is to be aware of your position in the betting structure and always remember that your actions can influence other players’ decisions. Once you have a handle on the basics, it is a good idea to practice in free games or with friends to get used to the game before you start playing for real money.

You have dealt yourself a pair of kings off the deal. It’s not a great hand, but it should beat the two other hands that are in front of you. Alex checks (checking means he doesn’t want to add any more money to the pot). Charley calls, and Dennis raises a dime. High card is used to break ties.