Poker is a game of chance and there is a large element of luck in any particular hand. However, there is also a significant amount of skill involved in the long run.
The players begin by making a forced bet (the amount varies per game). Once the forced bets are made the dealer shuffles the cards and deals each player two cards face up. Each player then places their bet into a central pot in the middle of the table.
During the betting round each player gets the opportunity to Check (put in less than their opponent), Call (match the amount of the bet), Raise (add more money to the pot), or Fold (drop out of the hand). Players may also change their hands during this time by discarding them and drawing new ones.
After the first betting round is complete the dealer puts three additional cards on the table that everyone can use. This is called the flop.
Once again each player gets the opportunity to Check (put nothing into the pot), Call (match the amount of the bet), or Raise (add more money to the pot). Players may also change their hands during this times by discarding them and drawing new ones.
When playing poker you should always play your best hands. Avoid low cards like unsuited or unpaired. Unless you have a high pair, it is usually better to fold than bet if you don’t think you can win with your current hand.