The game of Poker is a fast-paced card game with an element of chance and bluffing. The game is a popular pastime and hobby, with tournaments held all over the world. Developing good instincts and understanding the game well is critical to becoming successful at Poker.
Before the cards are dealt each player puts an initial contribution into the pot, called an ante. This amount is usually equal to the size of the blinds. Once this is done the dealer begins dealing the cards.
In each betting interval the first player to act must either call (put in an amount equal to or higher than the previous player) or raise. In the event that no one calls then the player with the highest hand wins the pot.
During the first betting round the dealer places three community cards face-up on the table that anyone can use (the flop). The players still in the hand can now bet/check/raise/fold their cards.
After the second betting interval the dealer puts a fifth card on the board that everyone can use (the river). Once again the players still in the hand get the opportunity to bet/check/raise/fold.
The final hand is determined by the best five-card combination from your two personal cards and the community cards on the table. The best hand is a full house, which means you have 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A straight is a five-card sequence that skips around in rank or in suits, while a flush contains 5 consecutive cards of the same suit.