Poker is a card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Some games add jokers or other wild cards into the mix. Cards rank in order of highest to lowest (ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2) and belong to one of four suits. A player wins the pot when they have a high enough hand to beat those of other players.
To start a hand, each player puts in a bet (the amount varies by game). Then the dealer deals everyone a card face down. When betting gets around to you, you can call, raise or fold your hand. When you raise, your hand must match the previous player’s bet.
After betting is complete the dealer puts three more cards on the table that anyone can use to make a hand. This is called the flop.
A good starting hand is a pair of kings or queens. However, the flop may bring an ace and you will need to be wary.
It is helpful to study charts that show which hands beat others. This will help you be prepared for the next step in poker, knowing when to bet and when to fold. Also, don’t get attached to good hands! Even the best players sometimes misplay their cards and end up looking like idiots. It happens to everyone, but don’t let it discourage you from continuing to play and learning the game.
