Poker is a card game in which players use the cards they are dealt to create the best five-card hand possible. They then try to convince other players that they have a strong hand, even if they do not. Poker is a game of incomplete information, and every action players take gives away bits of information that can be used to form a story about their opponent’s hand. This story can be used to make better decisions about whether to call, raise, or fold.
The game starts with two mandatory bets (the small blind and the big blind) placed into a pot by the players to the left of the dealer. This creates a pot right away and encourages competition.
After the players receive their two hole cards, three community cards are openly displayed on the table, known as the flop. Then a round of betting takes place, with players able to check, call or raise.
After the flop, another card is dealt face up, known as the turn. A round of betting again takes place, with players able to call, raise or fold. Finally, the fifth and final community card is revealed, known as the river. A final round of betting again takes place, with players again able to call, raise or fold.