Poker is a game of cards played with a full deck and an element of chance. While the outcome of any particular hand is largely based on chance, over the long run the game becomes a battle of skill and psychology. It takes an incredible amount of discipline to stick to a well-thought out strategy, even when you’re losing hands to terrible luck or making bad calls and bluffs.
In most games players are required to make forced bets before they receive their cards (the ante or blind). The dealer then shuffles the deck and cuts it with the player on his right, and begins dealing cards one at a time to each player. Each player may fold, call, or raise at any point in the hand.
Once everyone has 2 hole cards there is a round of betting. You can say “call” to bet the same as the person to your left, or raise if you want to increase your bet. If your cards are of high value you can say “stay” and the dealer will give you another card.
After the first round of betting a third card is put face up on the table called the flop. This is a community card that anyone can use, and there is another round of betting. If you have a strong hand and are ahead in the betting you can continue to bet in order to force weaker hands out of the pot.
