The game of poker can be very addicting and is a great way to spend time with friends while learning bluffing, value betting and how to fold. The more situations you encounter at a table the better your decision making will become and the more you will learn to spot bluffs and be able to play well when bluffed against.
In poker, the first step is to buy in with a set amount of chips. A white chip is the unit, worth a single ante or bet; a red chip is worth five whites; and a blue chip is worth 10 or 20 whites. Players must also have a sufficient number of other colored chips to equalize the pot (see below).
When a player has their 2 cards they will check. This means they have no intention of raising their hand and are willing to call if someone else raises. Then the betting starts and everyone has a chance to call, raise or fold.
After the betting round is complete the dealer puts 3 more cards on the table called the flop. This is a community card that anyone can use. Then a final betting round takes place and the winner is declared.
If you have a strong hand on the flop then it is best to bet into it, as this will force weaker hands to call. However, if you don’t have the strongest of hands then it is best to check and hope for a miracle.