Poker is a card game played by two or more players. The goal is to have the best five-card poker hand. Players place bets into a pot in the center of the table and the player with the highest hand wins the pot. In most games each player must first ante something (the amount varies by game). Once everyone has antes the dealer deals the cards. Players then make bets in turn clockwise around the table. Once betting is complete the dealer puts three cards face up on the board that anyone can use (this is called the flop).
If you have a strong poker hand, you should bet at it to force weaker hands out. This will increase the value of your pot.
One of the most important skills to develop is patience. This is a key element in poker because it allows you to observe your opponents and respond strategically to their moves. Patience also allows you to avoid going on tilt, which is a common mistake that many novice players make.
When you say “call” you are matching the last bet or raising a bet. For example, if the player to your right raises a bet and it is now your turn, you would say “call” and put $10 in the pot. If you don’t have a good poker hand, then you should fold by putting your cards face down on the table. This will prevent you from losing money.