Poker is a game of cards, strategy and skill. The best hand wins the pot, but players can win by bluffing and using tactics like observing other player’s behavior. Having a good understanding of the game’s rules and the cards you have is important. In addition, knowing how to calculate odds and probabilities will improve your game.

At the beginning of each hand players must ‘ante’ a small amount (the amount varies by game but it is usually around a nickel). Once this is done they are dealt five cards. Betting then takes place in one round, with raising and re-raising allowed. The highest hand at the end of the betting wins the pot.

A pair of kings isn’t bad off the deal (not great, but not bad). You call and put a dime into the pot. When it comes to betting you know that Brad kept two cards, so he must have a pair and probably beat yours. Charley kept four cards so he must be trying for either a straight or a flush, and you probably beat his pair.

Once the first betting round is over the dealer will place three cards face-up on the table that everyone can use (these are called community cards). When it’s your turn you can either call, raise or fold. If you have a strong poker hand before the flop (like a pair of kings) then bet hard on it. This will force weaker hands out and make your pot bigger.