Poker is a card game in which players wager chips (representing money) against each other in the hope of having the highest ranked hand. The player with the highest ranked hand when all cards have been revealed wins the pot, which is all of the chips that have been bet during that hand.
The first round of betting begins once all players have received their two hole cards. The player to the left of the dealer makes a mandatory bet called a blind that all players must call. Once the initial betting is complete, three additional community cards are dealt face up on the table. These are the flop. At this point, all remaining players have the option to bet again, raise or fold.
A good poker player will not be afraid to fold a weak hand. In fact, top players will often fast-play their strong hands because it can help them build the pot and potentially chase off other players waiting for a draw that could beat them.
It is also important to only play poker when you are in the right mood. This is a mentally intensive game and it is difficult to perform well when you are frustrated or tired. If you feel either of these emotions starting to build up, it is best to walk away from the table and come back another day. This is especially true if you are playing for money. Playing with players who are much better than you will only cost you more money in the long run.