A card game with a long history of social gatherings, poker requires little more than a deck of cards and a willing group of players. While the game has a lot of chance, there is also a good amount of skill involved.
To begin a hand, each player must ante a certain amount of money (varies by game; in our games it is typically a nickel). Once the antes have been made, players are dealt their cards. Betting intervals occur when one player puts a number of chips into the pot in turn, either by calling (putting the same amount as the previous player), raising (putting in more than the previous player), or dropping out (removing their cards from the game and forfeiting any money they have already put into the pot).
After a series of betting intervals the dealer deals three cards face up on the board that everyone can use to make a better hand. This is called the flop. Depending on your position and how well you can bluff, this is an excellent time to bet, forcing weaker hands out of the game.
It is important to remember that poker is a gambling game, and as such you should play with only money that you are comfortable losing. Always track your wins and losses when you are playing, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. It is also a good idea to study experienced players and observe their gameplay. This will help you develop quick instincts and improve your game.