Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involving betting on the strength of a hand. The game requires skill, psychology and knowledge of probability theory. A good poker player has the ability to predict how other players will play and make decisions based on those predictions.
Each player makes one or more forced bets (an ante and/or a blind bet) before the dealer shuffles the cards and deals them to each player, starting with the player to his left. Once the initial deal is made, a series of betting intervals takes place, with each player adding chips into the pot in accordance with the rules of the specific variant being played.
During the first betting round the dealer puts three more cards on the table that anyone can use (the “flop”). Depending on the rules of the game you may have additional card replacement options after this, but usually it is during or just after this betting round.
The dealer then reveals a fifth community card on the board that everyone can use (the “river”). Once again, everyone gets a chance to bet/check/raise/fold their hands.
During this part of the hand, it is important to watch your opponents and learn their tells (such as breathing heavily, sighing, blinking excessively, fidgeting with their hands or mouth, etc). Also note how they are acting when they call a bet; if they raise frequently and suddenly, they may have a strong poker hand.