Poker is a card game where players bet chips (money) on the outcome of a hand. Each player has two cards and five community cards, and the aim is to make a “hand” from them by betting and folding until one person has all of the chips or everyone else folds. The highest hand wins the pot.
Before the cards are dealt, one or more players have to put some money into the pot – these are called forced bets. This is usually done in the form of an ante or blind. Then, each player goes around in a clockwise manner to act – either raise or call the previous bet. When it is your turn to act, you can also say “check” if you don’t want to bet and then wait for everyone to pass before acting again.
During the course of a hand, it is important to watch other players and learn their tells. These aren’t just the nervous habits you might see in a film, but can be the way a player fiddles with their chips or rings. It is also useful to note how they play and whether they are bluffing or holding a strong hand.
It is also a good idea to keep a bankroll in mind, both for each session and over the long term. This will help you resist the temptation to chase losses with ill-advised bets. It is also a good idea to know when to quit and take your winnings.