Poker is a card game where players wager against each other by placing chips (representing money) into the middle of the table. Many variations of the game exist, but they all share similar underlying rules. Some of these games involve fewer cards than others, and betting structures vary as well. Whether you’re playing for real or just for fun, it’s important to know the basic rules of poker before you start betting.
Players deal themselves two cards and then a round of betting begins. Each player must put into the pot at least as much money as the person to their left. The player with the best poker hand wins the pot.
Once the first betting round is over, the dealer puts three additional cards on the board that anyone can use. This is called the flop. Another round of betting begins, with the player to the left of the dealer making the first bet.
A good rule of thumb is to always raise your bets instead of calling. Calling is a weak play because it allows your opponents to make stronger hands than you do.