Poker is a card game that involves betting. It can be played with 2 or more people and is a game of chance, though with careful bluffing, it can also become a game of skill. The rules of poker are fairly simple and can be learned in a short amount of time.
Before any cards are dealt, players must place an initial amount of money into the pot called blinds. These are mandatory bets that help to provide incentive for players to play. They come in the form of antes, small blinds, and big blinds.
Once everyone has received their two hole cards, there is a round of betting that begins with the player on the left of the dealer button. A player can choose to “call” (match the bet size of the person in front of them), raise, or fold their hand.
After the first round of betting, 3 more community cards are dealt face up. This is called the flop. Another round of betting starts with the player on the left of the button.
When deciding whether to call, raise or fold, pay attention to how long the player takes to make their decision. A quick action usually indicates a good or strong hand, while a longer time may indicate weakness. For example, if someone stalls and contemplates for a long period of time before making a call or raise, they may be trying to figure out whether you have them beat.