Poker is a card game in which players compete to make the best five-card hand possible. Before, during and after the dealing of these cards, players have the option to bet on their own hands, forcing other players to call or raise to continue in the hand. The player with the strongest hand wins.
A basic understanding of the rules and hand rankings will allow you to play poker with confidence. In addition, it is important to learn about some of the more obscure variations of the game. Whether you want to learn the rules of Omaha, Crazy Pineapple, or something else entirely, there are plenty of options out there.
Once you have a grasp on the basics, it is also helpful to learn some of the more common poker phrases and terminology. These terms will allow you to communicate with your fellow players in a way that is clear and concise.
Ante – the amount of money each player must put up in order to participate in a hand. Call – to call a bet means you wish to put up the same amount as the player who raised, or to raise that bet yourself.
Fold – to fold your hand is to give it up and lose the amount of money you have invested in the hand. Usually, this is done to prevent your opponents from betting into your strong hands.
High hand – A high hand is any combination of cards that rank higher than another. A straight is any five cards that are consecutive in rank, and a flush is any five cards of the same suit.
