If you’re new to poker, it’s a good idea to start by learning the rules and getting familiar with the betting structure. Typically, you’ll get taught by a friendly dealer who will explain the different odds of landing each type of hand and demonstrate how the betting works. Then you’ll play a few practice hands on your own, using chips that aren’t the real thing so you can see how you do.
Before the cards are dealt, one or more players (depending on the game) will place an initial amount of money into the pot. This is called the ante, blind or bring-in and is done to create a pot of money that encourages competition. The player to the left of the dealer controls how much he or she chooses to bet in each round.
After the first betting round is complete the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that everyone can use. This is called the flop. Then a fourth card is dealt face up on the board (called the turn). Then a fifth community card is revealed on the table (called the river) which gives players an additional opportunity to bet.
Once all the bets are in, the players reveal their hands and the person with the best five-card hand wins the pot. If no one has a high pair, the highest single card breaks the tie (for example, five aces beats five queens). In some cases, there may be side pots in addition to the main pot.