Poker is a card game with many variations. It has a long history and is currently enjoying a boom with more top-notch learning resources for beginners and novices than ever before.

Each player is dealt two cards which only they can see. Five community cards are then brought into play that everyone can use. Players attempt to combine their own two cards with the community cards into a winning 5-card hand. The player with the best 5-card hand wins the pot. Ties are broken by looking at the highest card (in some games the high card even breaks ties when there are two distinct pairs).

There is usually an initial amount of money that has to be put into the pot before the cards are dealt. This is called the ante or blinds. This is a forced bet and provides an incentive for players to invest in the hand.

Once all players have their 2 cards, betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer. If you want to raise your own bet, say “raise.” Say “call” if you wish to match the last person’s bet.

Observe experienced players and imagine how you would react in their shoes to develop your own quick instincts. Practice and watch many hands to help you become more familiar with the rules of the game. Try to set aside time on a regular basis for studying the game. Many pros recommend a 3:1 ratio – for every hour you spend playing, 15 minutes should be spent studying.