Poker is a game of betting and cards that is often played with two or more players. There are several different variants of poker, but most involve a fixed number of cards being dealt to each player and a single betting round. There are also a number of different ways that the game can be played, including the use of raised and re-raised bets.
Before seeing their cards, each player must place a forced bet called the ante or blind bets (sometimes both). The dealer then shuffles and cuts the deck, dealing each player two cards face up. A round of betting then starts, with each player deciding whether to call the bet by putting in the same amount as the player to their left or raise it. A player who does not raise will usually “drop” (fold), meaning they will put no chips into the pot and forfeit their cards.
Once the first round of betting has been completed, two more cards are dealt face up, forming the flop. Another round of betting then begins, with the player to the left of the dealer placing their bets.
As you play more hands, try to study the way that other players play their hands. This can be done by watching the action at a live table or through poker software that allows you to review hands after they have been played. You should look at not only the hands that went bad, but also those that were successful to understand what you did right.