Learn the Basics of Poker

The game of poker is a card game played by 2 or more players against the dealer. There are several betting rounds in a hand and the best 5 cards win the pot. The most common hand is a pair of aces followed by a straight and then a full house.

When learning poker it is important to know your position at the table. This is because the order of play changes with every hand that is dealt. If the ‘action’ comes to you first, then you are in early position and if it comes to you last then you are in late position.

A good way to learn about poker positions is to watch videos of professional players like Phil Ivey. Watch how he reacts to bad beats and you will see that he is able to remain calm and confident in the face of defeat. A great mental attribute that all good players have.

After the 2 hole cards are dealt there is a round of betting that starts with the player to the left of the dealer. This is because they have to put in a mandatory amount of money (the blinds) before the dealer will deal any more cards.

Once the first betting round is over the dealer will deal 3 community cards on the board. These are called the flop and everyone still in the hand will get a chance to bet again. The final betting round is called the river and will reveal a fifth community card.