Poker is a game of cards where the goal is to make the best five-card hand. It’s a game of strategy and tactics that can be learned through consistent practice and study. However, it’s also a game of mistakes and luck that can quickly lead to some serious “Feels bad, man” moments. But, don’t let those moments get you down. Poker, like any other skill, requires a foundation to be built upon. Until all the structural elements are in place, you won’t have the framework to add the finishing touches that will truly elevate your game.
Before you can begin to build a solid poker foundation it’s important to understand the basic rules and terminology of the game. You will need to know what to do with your hands, how much money you’re betting, and how to read other players.
Ante – The initial amount of money that each player must put up in order to be dealt into the hand. Call – If the player to your left raises a bet, you can say “call” in order to match their bet and continue with the hand.
Raise – If you think your hand is strong enough, you can raise the amount of money that everyone else is betting and move on to the next stage of the hand.
If you don’t think your hand is strong enough, you can fold and exit the hand before a showdown. This allows you to save money and avoid making a bad decision that can cost you more than just your ante. Folding is a crucial part of the game and it’s important to be able to recognize the optimal moments to do so.
