Poker is a card game of chance and strategy in which players place wagers (representing money) against other players. The cards are dealt in intervals and each player in turn has the opportunity to bet.
Players may bet that they have the best poker hand, which forces other players to either call or fold. A player may also bluff by betting that they have a superior hand when they actually do not, which can force players with higher hands to fold and win the pot.
Once the dealer has dealt everyone 2 cards, a betting round begins. The player to his left, designated by the rules of the specific poker variant being played, has the right to open the betting. He must put chips into the pot equal to or greater than the amount placed in by the player before him.
When the dealer deals a third card to the table, anyone still in the hand has the option of calling a bet or folding. If a player calls the bet, he will then receive a fourth community card which is visible to all players. This is called the flop.
It is always good to remember that it is possible to fold a hand when you feel that your opponent has a better one. It is often better to save your chips for a better hand than risk them by calling an outrageous bet that you could easily lose. Learn to make quick decisions and develop fast instincts by playing frequently and observing experienced players.