Poker is a game of chance, but it also requires a lot of skill. To be a great player you must learn how to read other players and make decisions based on probability, psychology, and game theory. It’s a long road from the first time you play to becoming a professional, and along the way you will face many obstacles. You will have to deal with bad luck, terrible beats and the temptation to deviate from your plan. But the rewards are well worth it!
The game starts when each player puts up an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. This is called an ante or forced bet. After the antes are put in place, each player is dealt two private cards called hole cards. They then have the option to fold, call or raise.
After the first betting round has been completed the dealer will deal three more cards on the table that everyone can use, this is called the flop. After another round of betting is complete he will then put a fourth card on the table that everyone can use, this card is called the turn.
A poker hand consists of five cards that are arranged in a specific order. The highest hand wins. A flush consists of 5 cards that are all of the same suit. A straight consists of 5 cards that are in consecutive rank but from different suits. A full house consists of 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank.