Learn from the experts

Poker is a game that requires skill and good strategy. It is possible to learn the basics of poker by playing many hands and reading a lot, but it also helps to get some help along the way. Fortunately, there are more top-notch poker learning resources geared towards beginners and novices than ever before. Whether you are interested in tournament or cash games, there are options available to you.

Each player begins the game with an initial amount of money, known as the ante, which is placed into the pot before the cards are dealt. Depending on the game, players may be required to make additional bets before they receive their starting cards, called blinds.

Once the antes and blinds have been placed, each player receives two cards. A round of betting commences, with the player to the left of the button taking their turn first. They can choose to either call the current bet (put into the pot the same number of chips as the previous player), raise the bet by increasing the number of chips they put into the pot, or fold their cards and leave the hand.

After the flop, an additional card is revealed and another round of betting commences. At this stage, you should take the time to assess how well-positioned you are on the table – do you have the best chance of winning a hand with your two personal cards and the five community cards?