The game of poker is played between 2 or more players and the object is to win the pot. The pot is the sum total of all bets made during a hand. The players each receive two cards and the player to their left makes the first bet. This is called the button position. The next cards are dealt face up and there is a second round of betting. Then 5 community cards are introduced that everyone can use to make a 5-card poker hand. You can then either bet and try to force your opponents out of a hand by raising or you can fold.
There are a lot of different ways to play poker and the rules vary slightly from variant to variant but the basic principles are the same. You need to learn what hands are good and bad, how to read your opponents and understand the value of position at the table. There are also a lot of strategies that can be used, such as bluffing to get your opponents to commit more money to the pot, which will increase the value of your hand.
The rules of poker are relatively simple, but the strategy is complex. You should study the game carefully and take time to practice and build your skill. The most important thing is to have fun! If you are not having fun, then the game is not for you. You should always play within your bankroll and be careful not to overcommit.