Poker is a card game in which players form poker hands from their personal cards and the community cards on the table. The highest-ranking poker hand wins the pot. The most common poker hands include Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, and Two Pairs.
Each player starts with 2 cards, which are face down and hidden from other players (also known as the hole or pocket cards). The first betting round begins after the dealer deals these cards and is called pre-flop.
During the pre-flop betting phase, one of the players designated by the rules of the specific poker variant makes the first bet and each player in turn has a chance to call or raise that bet. The dealer then puts 3 additional cards, face up, on the table that anyone can use to make their poker hands. These cards are called the flop.
The next betting phase, also known as the turn, is when the dealer reveals a fourth community card on the table. The third betting phase is the River, and this is where players can decide whether to continue to play their poker hands or fold.
Many of the best poker players in the world started off by simply playing with friends using real cards. This can be a great way to learn the basics of the game in a fun and relaxed environment. You can even start off without bet money and just use matchsticks or counters instead to practice your hand-raising skills. However, be sure to only play with money you are willing to lose.