Poker is a card game that requires patience and discipline. It is a game that you can learn how to play very quickly, but becoming a winning player takes time and commitment. It is important to start off in small games and work your way up as your skills improve. Finding a good study partner or coach can be very helpful in this process.
The first step in learning to play poker is understanding the rules. There are many different poker rules, but most of them boil down to:
A round of betting begins once all players have received their hole cards. The first two mandatory bets placed into the pot are called blinds and they are placed by the players to the left of the dealer.
After the first betting round is complete a third community card is dealt face up on the table, this is called the flop. Then another round of betting begins with the player to the left of the button having the option to call or raise.
After the flop is revealed there are two more rounds of betting and then the showdown occurs where the top 5 poker hands are announced. The highest poker hand wins the pot. If there is a tie between hands then the higher kicker (card that breaks ties) wins. This is all based on the situation and not the strength of your cards. For example, K-K is a great starting hand but if someone has A-A then your kings will lose 82% of the time.