Poker is a game of cards in which players form hands based on card rankings and compete to win the pot (the sum of bets placed by all players in a round). The goal is to have the best hand and win the pot. To do this, it is essential to understand how betting works.
Players take turns clockwise around the table revealing their hands. The player who has the highest ranking hand wins the pot. A high hand is a pair, a flush, or a straight. If there is a tie, the highest card breaks it.
When a player’s turn comes to call, raise or fold, they say their choice out loud. If they want to stay in the hand and improve it, they would say “stay”. If they wanted to hit the hand and get another card, they would say “hit”.
As a beginner you will lose some money at the beginning. However, playing for lower stakes lets you learn the game versus weaker players. Eventually, you will be ready to play the higher stakes.
It is important to play with a clear mind and only risk what you are willing to lose. If you start losing more than you can afford to lose, stop gambling and come back when your bankroll is healthy again. It is also a good idea to track your wins and losses so you can see whether you are winning or losing in the long run.