Poker is a game of cards played by two or more people against each other for an amount contributed to the pot by players (or, in some cases, chips that represent money). Players compete for this money by placing bets on their hands. It is a game of strategy that requires a high degree of skill. Generally, the best hand wins.

In poker, it is important to protect your cards. If you don’t, you could lose a hand you shouldn’t have. You can use your hands, chips, or anything else to protect your cards. You should also protect your cards from being exposed to other players. You can do this by making sure your cards are pushed forward low to the table rather than being helicoptered.

If you are not a part of the action, you can’t expose your cards or discuss your strategy with other players. However, if you are last to act and a player shows or exposes a card to one or more players with action pending, you must call the floor for a ruling.

You can always ask to see the winning player’s hand after it has been mucked. This is a privilege that can be revoked if abused. However, this is something that you should do in a live game to make sure that the correct person is awarded the pot. Also, it is good practice to learn your opponent’s tells so that you can spot if they are bluffing.