A game of poker involves betting and bluffing to win. While luck plays a big part in the game, skill can overtake luck in the long run. To play well you need to develop your mental and physical skills. This includes learning the rules of the game, bet sizing, position, and reading other players. You also need to practice to improve your stamina and focus. The best way to learn these skills is by studying and playing a lot of poker.
A small bet players make before a hand begins. It’s required for everyone at the table and helps make the pot large right off the bat. Antes are usually placed by the player to the dealer’s left.
When someone bets into you it means they have a good hand and are trying to take control of the pot. You can call their bet to match it or raise it above it. To do this you say “call” or “I call.” This puts the amount of your bet into the pot equal to the previous player’s.