Poker is a game of chance but a lot of skill and psychology is required as well. Unlike other card games where there is little action or drama, bluffing and other tells (along with other player reactions) can make poker interesting.
Each player places an amount of money, called a bet, into the pot in order to get dealt cards. This is done in a round, typically in clockwise order. When it is your turn to bet, you can raise the previous bet, call or fold. Depending on the rules of your poker variant, you may also be able to draw replacement cards from an undealt deck to improve your hand.
After players have placed their bets, 2 cards are dealt face down to each player (hidden from other players). These cards are called your hole cards or pocket. A round of betting then takes place, beginning with the player to the left of the big blind.
After the pre-flop betting phase, 3 more cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. These are community cards and anyone can use them to build a poker hand of five. Once again, a round of betting begins, this time with the player to the left of the dealer.