Poker is a card game that involves betting between two players before they even see their cards. It is a great game for beginners to learn because it is simple and fun, but also has an element of skill involved that makes it a challenging game to master.

There are two mandatory bets that everyone must put into the pot before getting their hands: the small blind and the big blind. These forced bets create an incentive to play and help to make the game fair for all players.

The player to the left of the dealer acts first, they can either call (put in enough chips to match the previous player’s raise) or fold their hand and be out of the round. If they have a strong hand then they can raise, which means that everyone has to increase the amount that they are betting by the amount of their raise.

Once the players have all called or folded their hands three more cards are dealt face up. This is known as the flop. The next round of betting begins again with the player to the left of the dealer acting first.

Knowing how to read the board is important when playing poker, you must be aware of what other players have in their hand and know what beats which. It is also important to be able to read the other players at your table, look for their betting and calling styles.