Poker is a game of cards and chance, but it also requires a certain amount of skill. Studying and observing experienced players provides a wealth of knowledge and insight into the game that can help you adopt effective strategies and avoid common pitfalls. However, it is important to remember that poker is also a game of instinct and personal style. Your natural talents and playing instincts will eventually shape your poker style and strategy.
Once all players have two cards, there is a round of betting that starts with the player to the left of the dealer. That player can either put out chips equal to the amount staked by the last raiser (call) or push their cards to the dealer face down without saying anything to fold their hand.
One more card is dealt to the table, called the flop. There is another round of betting and if the player to the left of the dealer has a strong hand they can bet hard to force weaker hands out of the pot.
It is important to understand that poker is different from other card games in that it focuses on the rank of the cards, not the suit. A high straight beats a low straight, for example. A wraparound straight is a run of cards that start high, go through the Ace, and then finish low, for instance Q-K-A-2-3. This is not a valid hand in most poker games.