Poker is a card game where players compete to form the best 5-card hand using their two personal cards (called hole or pocket) and the five community cards dealt on the table. There are several betting rounds and the winner receives all of the money in the pot. Players may also choose to share some of the pot if they lose.
The skill of playing poker requires a combination of discipline, perseverance, and sharp focus. It is important to practice and watch other players to develop quick instincts and learn how to react quickly and effectively in different situations.
To begin the game, each player places 2 mandatory bets called blinds into the pot and then is dealt 2 cards face-down (hidden from other players). A round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer.
After the pre-flop betting phase, 3 more cards are dealt face up on the center of the table. These are called the flop and they become part of the community cards that all players can use to make their best 5-card hand. Another round of betting begins with the player to the right of the big blind.
When a player calls your bet, they are saying that they believe that their hand is better than yours and would like to win the pot. You can make a call to increase the size of the pot and force them out if you have a strong value hand.