A Basic Guide to the Rules of Poker

Poker is a game that involves some chance, but it also has a lot of psychology and skill. While this article is a basic primer into the rules of poker, you should be sure to pick up a book on the subject (or start hanging out with people who already know how to play).

Players ante something (the amount varies by game; in our games it’s usually a nickel) and are then dealt 2 cards each. Then a round of betting starts (players can check, call or raise – placing more chips into the pot that their opponents must match). The highest hand wins the pot.

In between rounds of betting, the dealer shuffles the cards. This is called the flop. A card is then dealt face up on the table and there’s another round of betting. Once the flop is dealt, you have 7 cards in your hand (the two you’ve been dealt and the 5 community cards on the board).

Top players often fast-play strong hands — that is, they’ll bet early and often to build the pot and potentially chase off others who are holding stronger hands than theirs. This approach is important because it minimizes the risk of losing a large sum of money while still allowing you to play the game effectively. You should always be careful, however, and try to keep your cards close to your chest at all times to avoid bluffing too much!