Poker is a game where you play against other players and use your cards to make the best hand possible. It takes skill and strategy to win and it is a great way to improve your skills and increase your bankroll.

First, understand the basic rules of the game: The dealer deals two face-down cards to each player and then reveals three cards on the flop. These are the community cards and all players can use them to make their final five-card hand.

Next, decide whether to put down a bet or fold your hand before the flop. A bet is usually the better option, especially if you have a weak hand.

The flop (sometimes called the turn) is dealt to all players in clockwise order. This is when players make their first bets of the game.

Bluffing is a key part of poker and it’s important to learn to bluff properly. This will allow you to eat away at your opponents’ stacks, so don’t be afraid to bet with trashy hands – it can pay off big in the end!

It’s also crucial to know which players are conservative and aggressive. Identifying these players will help you to read their betting patterns and determine whether they’re bluffing or not. A conservative player will usually fold early, while an aggressive player tends to bet high.