In poker, luck and skill are equally important to winning a hand. A good player can make an opponent fold even with the weakest of hands, simply by assessing the situation correctly and applying pressure effectively.

Once everyone is dealt two cards the first betting round begins. Each player can choose to call a bet (put chips into the pot equal to or higher than the previous players) or raise it. If you’re not sure what to do, ask someone more experienced for help or observe some games to learn how to react quickly and build quick instincts.

When a player raises the bet it’s called raising and is a sign that they have a strong hand. It’s also a great way to build up a pot of chips.

After the first round is complete the dealer puts three more cards face up on the table that anyone can use, called the flop. Another round of betting ensues, then the dealer deals a fifth card that is the showdown. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot – which includes all the bets placed in each of the previous betting rounds.

The most common mistake that new players make is being too passive with their draws. They tend to bet less and call their opponents’ bets, instead of trying to get them to fold by bluffing or making their own hands by the river. This is a mistake that you can easily correct by learning to play your draws more aggressively.