Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involves betting on the strength of your hand. The player with the highest ranked hand wins the pot (all bets placed during that hand). If you want to become a good poker player you must first understand the rules. The best poker players possess many of the same skills: patience, reading other players and adaptability.
Each player starts with 2 cards called hole cards which are dealt face down. Then a round of betting begins with players putting in two mandatory bets which are known as blinds.
After the first round is complete a third card is dealt in the middle of the table which everyone can use, this is known as the flop. Another round of betting then takes place. A fourth community card is then dealt, this is known as the turn. There is one more round of betting and then the showdown occurs where the player with the strongest 5 card hand wins.
A good poker player will be able to make other players fold by looking beyond their own cards and working out the range of hands that an opponent may have. This is known as having a read on an opponent and involves studying their tells, eye movements, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior. You can develop this skill by watching experienced players and imagining how you would react to their actions. This helps you to build your instincts and will make you a better poker player.