Poker is a card game where players bet into the pot (money in the middle) in order to keep playing. While the outcome of a hand can be highly dependent on luck, there is significant skill and strategy involved in betting.
When betting comes around to you, you can say call to put up the same amount of money as the player before you (if they raised). You can also raise your bet and put more money in the pot.
If you have a good hand, you can stay in the hand by saying “Stay.” However, if your hands are low in value or not that great, you may want to hit (get another card).
After betting, each player shows their cards and the person with the highest hand wins the pot. The cards are dealt face down and players can discard any of their cards and draw new ones if they wish.
When you first learn poker, it is a good idea to play for fake chips, like matchsticks or counters. This way, you can start out with a small bankroll and practice the rules without risking any actual money. This will help you build confidence and get familiar with the game. It will also allow you to move up the stakes much more quickly and play against stronger players sooner rather than later. By doing so, you will increase your win rate over time. This is one of the most important aspects of becoming a better poker player.