Poker is a card game in which players wager chips to make a hand. Unlike most casino games, poker requires skill to win and is not just about luck. The game involves reading the actions of other players and incorporating these into your strategy. The way a player folds, calls, raises, or bluffs reveals information about their hand strength. This is why it is important to pay attention to your opponents and learn the rules of the game.
A player starts a hand by placing 2 mandatory bets called blinds before they receive their cards. This creates a pot to play for and provides an incentive for other players to get involved in the hand. Once all the players have their cards, there is a round of betting.
When an opponent calls your bet, it usually means they have a good or strong hand. The time it takes them to act also gives information about their hand strength. If they take a long time to decide whether to call or raise, it is likely they are considering how much money they can make if they have the best hand.
A good poker dealer is quick to react to the action at the table. They must know the rules of the game, the hierarchy of hands, and how betting rounds work. They must be able to keep the players at the table engaged by spreading the chips around evenly and dealing quickly. They should also be able to deal with any misunderstandings that may occur at the table and understand basic poker etiquette.