Poker is a game that requires a lot of skill and involves betting. There are many different rules that govern the game, so you should understand them before you play.

First, you should know that each poker table has a dealer, who is responsible for dealing the cards and overseeing the poker action. The dealer’s role is to make sure everyone follows the rules and has a fair playing experience.

If you have a question about the rules of poker, don’t hesitate to contact the dealer. They will be able to answer your questions and help you play more safely.

When playing a poker game, players have to put in an initial contribution called an ante. This helps create a larger pot when they make their first bets and raises.

Players may also choose to have fixed-limit betting, which means that they must always put in a certain amount of chips. This allows players to maximize their winnings by minimizing their losses with poor hands.

In addition to ante and fixed-limit betting, there are a number of other terms that you will encounter during the game. These include call, raise and check.

A call is a bet that matches the previous bet by a player. A raise is a bet that adds more to the pot, up to a certain limit.

Poker is a highly competitive game and can be stressful for the players. Therefore, it is important to follow the rules to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.