The game of poker has many variations, but most forms involve two or more players and a common goal: to win the pot. The pot is the total of all the bets made during a hand. The players put in an initial amount before seeing their cards, called forced bets (ante, blinds, or bring-ins). Each player has the option to call, raise, or fold.
When playing, it’s important to know what each hand beats so you can evaluate your opponents’ actions. For example, a full house is any three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank. A flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit. A straight is five cards of consecutive ranks, but not necessarily from the same suit. Three of a kind is two matching cards of the same rank, plus one unmatched card. Two pair is two matching cards of the same rank, along with two other unmatched cards.
Observing experienced players is an effective way to learn and improve your own skills. You can do this in person or online, but online forums are often too noisy to focus on learning. Instead, look for a private community or a curated group that allows you to participate in discussions with other experienced players.
It’s also a good idea to keep a study journal. This will help you to internalize the mathematical calculations and develop intuitions that will make you faster to act on your cards. Remember to study just a little bit at a time, rather than trying to implement too much new material at once.