The game of poker is a card game that involves betting and raising. It is a mentally intensive game and should be played only when you are in the right mood to play. If you are feeling anger or frustration, then it is best to leave the table and return when you feel more prepared. It is also important to play only when you are well rested and healthy.
Players form a poker hand using the 2 private cards they receive from the dealer, known as hole cards, and the 5 community cards dealt to the table and shared by all players. The best hand wins the pot. There are a number of different poker variations, but the most common ones include:
One pair involves two distinct cards of the same rank i.e. two aces. Three of a kind involves three cards of the same rank, and two unrelated side cards (also known as the kicker). Straights consist of 5 consecutive cards of the same suit (for example, 5 hearts). Royal flush is the highest poker hand and consists of an ace, king, queen, and jack of the same suite. Tie breakers include high card and flush.
Your position at the table will have a major impact on the strategy you use in each hand. Early position consists of the player to the immediate left of the button, middle position a couple of seats further left, and late position being the last seat including the dealer.