Poker is a card game played by two or more players. The aim is to make the best five-card hand possible using the cards you have been dealt, or to convince other players that you have the strongest hand. Poker is often thought of as a game of chance, but it also involves quite a bit of skill and psychology.
The first step is to learn the rules of poker. A good way to do this is to read a book about the game, or join a group of players who already know the rules. Then, while playing, look for opportunities to practice new skills.
Each round of poker begins with one player making a bet. This is called “opening.” Players in turn can either call the bet by putting in the same amount of chips as the previous player, or raise it. A player can also fold their hand if they don’t want to bet.
After the betting phase, players take turns revealing their cards. The player with the best hand wins the pot.
Beginners often think about individual hands as being strong or weak. However, it is much more effective to consider a range of hands that your opponent might hold. This will help you to understand more about your opponent’s game and plan better against it.