Poker is a game that has quite a bit of skill involved when betting comes into play. It also involves some psychology, and the ability to read other players. In addition, there is a lot of math that goes into the game.
Each player has 2 cards dealt face down. Then a round of betting occurs based on the rules of the specific poker variant being played. This starts with the player to the left of the dealer. After the betting has happened, the flop is dealt. This is when a player can make the decision to stay in the hand or to raise their bet. A good bluff can often win the pot when your opponents have a weak hand.
After the flop, another card is dealt face up called the river. This is where the best possible hand is determined. A Royal flush is 5 consecutive cards of one suit. A straight is 5 cards of consecutive rank but from more than one suit. A full house is 3 matching cards of the same rank and 2 unmatched cards. A pair is two cards of the same rank.
Practice playing and watching to learn the game and develop quick instincts. You will also learn to look for tells, which are the physical movements of other players that can give away information about their hands. Observing how experienced players react to certain situations will help you learn the game faster and better. In addition, you will learn how to deal with losing and gain a mindset that will help you in both poker and life.