Poker is a game of skill and chance. The objective is to win pots (money or chips) by betting on your hand, or to convince other players that you have a winning hand. There are many different variations of poker and the rules vary slightly but all share a few basic principles.
Step two: Once each player has acted, three cards are dealt face up in the centre of the table. These are called the community cards and are available to all players. Another round of betting now takes place.
At this point, if you don’t have the best hand you can either call (put in the same amount as the previous player) or raise your bet (ask for more money). It’s important to know which hands beat others and understand how bluffing works. But don’t try to overthink it – just play with your instincts and learn as you go.
Bluffing is an integral part of the game but it can be difficult for newbies to get a feel for it. To help, ask for help from experienced players or watch other players to learn how they bluff. The more you practice and observe, the better your instincts will become.