Poker is a card game where players wager chips (representing money) on the outcome of a five-card poker hand. There are many variations on the game, but all share some common elements. The object of the game is to win the pot (the total amount of bets placed during a betting round) by making a winning poker hand or convincing other players that you have the strongest one.
Before cards are dealt, there are two mandatory bets called blinds put into the pot by players to the left of the dealer. This helps encourage people to play the game and gives you an incentive to stay in a hand until the end.
Once all players have two hole cards the dealer deals three face up cards on the table that everyone can use (these are called community cards). There is another round of betting and once it’s over the dealer puts a fourth card on the table that anyone can use, this is called the flop.
Once it’s your turn to act, you can choose to check, call or raise the previous player’s bet. You can also fold (sliding your cards away face-down and forfeiting the hand). Position is a big deal in poker, acting last often means you have more information on your opponents and are able to make better value bets.
