Poker is a card game that involves betting and having the highest-ranked hand. It’s a game of strategy that can be played by anyone with enough money to buy in. It became more popular in the early 21st century, largely due to the Internet and the invention of hole-card cameras that allowed players to show their cards to spectators. It is now a major spectator sport with broadcasts of tournaments and high-profile events drawing large audiences.

Each player has a certain amount of chips to start the game with. These are called “blinds.” Each player must put these into the pot when it’s their turn to act. This is how the poker world makes sure that there’s always a pot to win for people who want to play.

After the initial betting round is over (and there’s at least one person left in the hand) the dealer puts down three more cards on the board face-up that everyone can use, which is known as the flop. Another round of betting then begins with the player to the left of the dealer.

The most important aspect of poker is position. Being in late positions gives you more information than your opponents and allows for cheap, effective bluffs. You can also make more accurate value bets when playing in late positions because you’ll have a better idea of how many other players still have hands when it’s your turn to act.