Poker is a card game where players place bets on the strength of their hands. While the outcome of any particular hand has a significant element of chance, the long-run expectations of individual players are determined by their actions chosen on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory.
A player puts a number of chips into the pot when they make a bet. The players to their left may call that bet by putting the same number of chips into the pot, raise that bet by increasing the amount they put in or drop out of the hand altogether by putting no chips into the pot at all.
After the first betting round is complete the dealer deals three cards face up on the table which everyone can use. These are called the flop. Then a fourth card is dealt which also everyone can use. After the flop has been dealt the final betting round takes place.
When you hold a strong hand it is usually best to bet aggressively, pushing weaker hands out of the pot. It’s a good idea to always keep track of your wins and losses, especially when you get more serious about the game. You can do this by keeping a poker journal, preferably in Word or Google Drive, to help you keep organized and avoid making mistakes. It’s also a good idea to study the play of experienced players, both their mistakes and their successful moves.