Poker is a card game of chance and skill, with a large element of psychology. It can be played in a variety of places from glitzy casinos to seedy dives. All that is required to play is a table (preferably round) and chairs for players to sit in. Unlike other card games, the object of poker is not to have the highest hand but rather to collect more chips from your opponents than anyone else. This is accomplished by betting on your strength and bluffing when necessary.
Before dealing the cards, each player antes an amount (varies by game but typically a nickel) and then bets into the middle of the table called the pot. Once all the players call or fold they reveal their hands. If you have a strong hand like a top pair, say “raise” to put more money into the pot and force weaker hands to fold.
After the first betting round is complete, the dealer deals three cards face up on the board that everyone can use which are called the flop. Once again all the remaining players will raise or fold.
After the flop, the dealer deals two more cards face up that can be used by all the players called the turn. After the turn, the dealer deals a final card that can be used by all the players called “the river.” High card breaks ties if no one has a pair or better.