Poker is a card game in which players use the cards they are dealt to create the strongest five-card hand. The best hands usually beat other players’ hands of the same type. The highest-ranked hands include a full house (3 matching cards of one rank plus 2 matching cards of another), a flush (5 consecutive cards of the same suit), and 3 of a kind (2 pairs of identical cards).

Once all players have two hole cards, a round of betting takes place. Players can raise, call or fold their bets. There are also mandatory bets known as blinds, made by the players to the left of the dealer.

A fourth card is then dealt face up, called the flop. A round of betting then happens again, this time with the player to the left of the dealer acting first.

On the turn, a fifth card is revealed. There is another round of betting, and then a showdown happens where all remaining players reveal their cards. The player with the strongest hand wins the pot.

When learning the game, it’s important to play with money you can afford to lose when things don’t go your way. It’s also a good idea to set limits on your winnings and play in low stakes games. Keeping a log of major hands that you have won or lost can help you understand what you’re doing right or wrong. Observing experienced players can also help you develop quick instincts.