The Basics of Poker
There is a lot to learn about poker. There is the math (probability) behind it, the strategy and the psychology of playing the game. There are also a wide variety of different poker programs available, and seemingly endless books that claim to teach you how to play better. If you are serious about improving your poker game, then you will need to study up on all of these topics.
The game of poker has a rich history. There are a number of vying games that appear to have predated it, but none is as well documented as the game we know today as poker. The earliest contemporary references are found in 1836 and 1829.
After each player receives their 2 hole cards there is a round of betting. This is prompted by 2 mandatory bets (blinds) placed into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. Once this betting round is over the dealer deals three additional cards face up on the board, known as the flop. These are community cards that everyone can use in their hand.
After the flop there is another round of betting. Depending on the strength of your hand you may choose to raise, call or fold. In general raising is a good idea because it forces your opponents to make a decision and can give you information about how strong their hands are. However, it is important to remember that raising too often can be risky.