Poker is a card game that involves both strategy and chance. While there is a significant amount of luck involved, the long-run expectations of players are determined by actions chosen on the basis of probability, psychology, and game theory. The game has become an international phenomenon, played in virtually every country where cards are available.
The game begins with each player putting up forced bets, usually an ante and/or blind bet. The dealer then shuffles the deck, cuts, and deals each player a number of cards, one at a time, starting with the player to their left. These cards may be dealt face-up or face-down depending on the variant of poker being played. The first of several betting rounds then begins. At the end of the round all remaining players reveal their hands and the player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot.
In addition to having a good poker hand you need to be able to read the board well. This means knowing what the other players have in their hand and how the community cards on the flop will affect them. For example if you hold pocket kings and the flop comes A-8-5 then you should be very wary as it will likely spell doom for your hand.
Another key is to understand position and how to use it. Being in late position will allow you to make cheap, effective bluffs and raise your chances of winning. Likewise being in early position allows you to make value bets and build a large pot.