Poker is a card game where players bet into a central pot and try to make the best hand out of a series of face-up cards. The highest hand wins the pot, unless someone shares the same high hand with another player.

How to play the game

To begin playing poker, players must ante an amount (usually a nickel, but varies by type of game). They are dealt two cards and a third card is placed on the table face down.

The next betting round, known as the flop, is then dealt and each player is given a chance to bet their hand. The flop is a random set of four cards.

How to bet

The most common way to bet in a poker game is by raising the pot, which involves putting more money into the pot than your opponents. Usually you will want to raise when you have a good hand and are confident that you can beat your opponents’ hands.

How to fold

If your hand is weak, it may be a good idea to fold, even though it is a waste of chips. This will avoid you having to pay into the pot for every bet.

How to bluff

Bluffing is an important part of the game and it’s a mistake for new players to be timid about it. The flop can transform trashy hands into monsters in a hurry, so it’s essential to be able to bluff well.