Poker is a card game where players make decisions based on incomplete information. Every action a player takes – whether they check, call, raise, or fold – tells their opponents bits of information that they use to build a story about what kind of hand you might have. Sometimes you’re showing strength, other times weakness – but over the long run, it’s all about making good decisions to win money.

First, you need to understand the rules of poker. This includes knowing what hands beat what (a straight beats a flush, for example). To do this, practice playing poker and study the charts to learn them quickly. Also, watch experienced players and try to imagine how you’d react in their position so you can build your instincts.

After the antes and blinds are placed, players receive 2 cards face-down (hidden from other players). This is called the pre-flop betting phase. After that, 3 cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table and revealed to all players. These are the flop and are community cards.

After the flop, players make their final decision by putting in more bets or folding. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. Then, the cards are re-shuffled and the next betting round starts. During the betting process, remember that it’s better to fold than bet at a weak hand. That way, you avoid wasting money at a poor hand and give your opponents a chance to bluff at your poor hand.