Poker is a card game in which players place bets into the pot in order to win. The best hand wins the pot. Players put in an ante before the cards are dealt and must call any raises from their opponents (betting happens in a clockwise direction).
After the players have 2 hole cards, 3 more cards are revealed on the table, called the flop. This starts a new round of betting, usually initiated by the player to the left of the dealer. Players can choose to fold their cards, bluff, or play with a strong hand. If the flop is weak, it may be wise to check and let others raise in order to improve your chances of a winning hand.
Some common poker hands include a pair, a straight, and a flush. A royal flush is a hand that includes the 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of one suit. A straight is a series of consecutive cards of the same rank, such as 7-7-8-9-10-J. A flush is a hand that contains the same suits as the straight, such as all hearts or all diamonds.
The higher the number of distinct cards, the stronger the hand. Practice playing poker and watch experienced players to develop quick instincts. Over time, numbers like frequencies and EV estimation will become automatic considerations.