Poker is a card game in which two to seven players make forced bets into a central pot. Typically there are 2 mandatory bets (known as blinds) put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer before the cards are dealt. These bets are added to the chips you have in your hand already. The dealer then deals 2 cards face down to each player, they are your hole cards. There is a round of betting after this, depending on the rules you are playing. Once this betting is over the dealer puts 3 cards on the table that everyone can use (community cards). This is called the flop. Once again there is a round of betting with each player having the chance to check, raise or fold.
Then the dealer puts down a final card on the board that everyone can use, this is called the river. After this the betting is over and the highest ranking poker hand wins the pot.
To play poker you need to learn a few basic terms, such as “open” (to place the first bet of the round) and “fold” (to throw your cards away). You can also say “call” when someone bets so you will put up the same amount as them and continue to the next round. You can also raise the bet, increasing the previous high bet, known as a re-raise. When you have a strong hand, it’s best to raise and call rather than check or fold. It’s important to play only with money you are willing to lose, and track your wins and losses as you gain experience.