Poker is a card game in which players place bets to see who has the best hand. It is an exciting, social game that you can enjoy with family and friends.
The first round of betting begins after all players have received their 2 hole cards. Then 2 mandatory bets called blinds are put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. After the blinds are placed there is another round of betting with everyone getting a chance to check, raise, or fold.
A third card is dealt face up on the table called the flop. Now there is a total of 7 cards to use to make your best hand, including the two you have in your own hands and the five community cards on the board.
If you have pocket kings or queens, for example, then you should bet aggressively preflop. However, if you have a weak unsuited ace or a low pair then you should be very cautious on the flop.
Observe the other players and learn their tells (eye movements, idiosyncrasies, hand gestures etc.). It will also help to keep a poker journal where you can write down the details of each hand and your thoughts on it. This will help you to analyze your own play and develop better intuition at the table. It will also prevent you from playing emotionally-based games such as chasing your losses or going on tilt.