The game of poker is a card game where players compete to form the best five-card hand. Having a strong understanding of starting hands and position is essential for making smart decisions throughout the game.
After the first betting round is complete the dealer will deal three cards face up on the table which are community cards that everyone can use. This is known as the flop.
In the third stage of the game, called the turn, an additional community card is dealt and another betting round takes place. The fourth and final stage of the game, called the river, will reveal the fifth and final community card. This will start the “showdown” where the best poker hand wins.
During the showdown you’ll need a good poker hand consisting of two personal cards in your hand plus five community cards on the table. Poker hands are ranked in categories, with any hand of the highest category beating any hand of a lower category.
When playing poker, you need to be aggressive in order to make other players fold. Playing cautiously will only get you pushed around the table by stronger players. They will see you as easy pickings and know you’re weak, so they will try to take advantage of you. Taking an aggressive approach, even with smaller pairs, will allow you to disguise your strength and put other players on the back foot. They will be afraid to go head-to-head with you, or they’ll think you’re bluffing and call your raises.