Poker is a card game played by two or more people in which each player tries to create the best five-card hand possible. Players make bets with the chips they’ve purchased for the game. Most games use white, red and blue chips, with each one worth a specific value. The dealer usually takes the bets and manages the chips in the pot, but ask your fellow players if you’re new to this so they can show you how it’s done.
The cards are dealt clockwise around the table, with each player in a different position for each hand. If you’re in early position for the hand, then you have a strong advantage because your opponent has to act first. The position you’re in for a given hand is called your ‘button position’.
After the betting round is complete the dealer deals a third card on the board that anyone can use (this is called the flop). Once again, everyone still in the hand gets a chance to bet. A player may choose to Check the action, Call the previous raise or Raise to increase the amount they’re betting in a round.
A good poker player will consider a variety of factors in each spot, including their opponent’s preflop aggression and the EV of their own hand. They’ll also take into account things like bet sizing and stack sizes. This is what separates the average player from a top professional.