In poker, players play for a pot (all the money that is bet during one round). Each player must purchase an initial number of chips. A white chip is worth a minimum amount, usually the value of the ante or bet, while a red and blue chips are worth multiples of that. Players then use these to place bets and raise them at appropriate times.
The most important thing to remember is that poker is a game of skill. You should focus on playing against opponents that you have a significant advantage over, and limit the amount of money you spend on the game to what you can afford to lose. This should leave you with enough room to be able to make a good profit over the long haul.
If you are a new player, it is best to start off by buying in for a smaller stake, and then slowly increase your buy-ins as you improve your skills. This allows you to practice and learn from your mistakes without worrying too much about losing your entire bankroll.
Once you have a few rounds under your belt, it’s time to study up on the rules and strategy. You will need to know what hands beat what (a straight beats a flush, for example). This is important information that you should memorize before you play any more games. Also, it is helpful to understand how different bet sizes affect the game.