Poker is a popular card game that’s played between two or more players. It’s easy to learn and can be fun, but it’s important to know some basic rules before you start playing.

First, know that you should play only with money you’re willing to lose. This will keep you from overspending and make it easier for you to learn the game.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on the players at the table. Are they too aggressive or too passive? If they are, you should be more careful with your calls and raises.

Next, learn the basics of hand strength and how to calculate odds for each hand. Then, you’ll be able to make better decisions and win more often.

In poker, there are three rounds of betting: preflop, flop and turn. Each round has a different rule.

Preflop: Before the flop, a player on the left of the dealer must post a small blind bet. The player to their right then posts a bigger blind bet.

The dealer then deals cards face down to the players on the table in a clockwise direction, until everyone has two cards (hole cards). This starts the first betting round of the game, called the preflop.

The dealer then deals the community cards, which are cards that can be used by all the players at the table to make their strongest hands possible. A betting round then follows, during which all players who wish to stay in the hand must at least match the amount of the big blind.