Poker is a game of cards where players bet money and the person with the best hand wins. The first thing that new players should know is that it is very important to keep the cards face up at all times. This prevents other players from seeing what you are holding. It also makes it harder for them to bluff against you by showing the card that would make your hand bad.
The game is played with a fixed amount of chips that each player must put in before the deal. This is called the ante and it helps to create a pot and encourages competition in the game. After the antes are in place, a hand of five cards is dealt to each player. Players can then choose to fold, call, or raise. A raised bet indicates that the player has a good hand and wants to win more money.
When you start to play poker, it is recommended that you start at the lowest stakes possible. This will allow you to play versus less skilled players and learn the game without spending too much money. Eventually, you can move up the stakes as your skill level improves.
Another great way to learn the game is to observe how other players play. You should pay attention to things like how they are betting, what their positions are, and how they act when their hands are good or bad. It is also a good idea to read strategy books and internalize the lessons that are contained within.
Position is important in poker because it gives you more information about your opponents than the others at the table. If you are in EP, then you should be very tight and only open your hands with strong ones. If you are in MP then you can add a few more hands to your opening range, but you should still be very tight.
If you have a weak hand then it is always better to call and see the flop rather than to raise and risk losing your chips. However, sometimes it is better to fold and save your money for a better hand. If you decide to fold then you must immediately stop playing that hand and put your cards in the middle of the table.
It is also a good idea to study the rules of poker and memorize the chart that shows what hands beat what. For example, three of a kind beats two pair and a flush beats a straight. Also, you should always remember that the high card is used to break ties.