Poker is a card game where players bet on the strength of their hands. The game can be very complex, but the basic rules are easy to understand. Many books and websites are dedicated to poker strategy, but the best way to learn the game is to play with experienced players. Watch how they react to various situations and then practice those same actions. This will help you develop your own instincts and improve your game quickly.
Before the betting phase begins, the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that anyone can use. These are known as the flop. After the flop is dealt, the first player to act can choose whether to call or raise.
Once everyone has called or raised the first betting phase is over. The dealer will then deal a fourth card on the table that everyone can use. This is the turn. After the turn is dealt, the final betting phase is over and the players with the highest five card hand win the round.
The basic poker hand rankings are pair, three of a kind, straight, flush and high card. A pair consists of two identical cards of the same rank. A three of a kind consists of three matching cards of the same rank. A straight consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. A flush consists of five cards of the same suit, but not in any particular order. The high card breaks ties when none of the other hands qualify.