Poker is a card game that involves betting between two or more players. The game has many variants, but the objective is always the same: extract value from your winning hands and minimize losses when you have a losing hand. This is known as min-maxing (Minimum Losses – Maximum Winnings).
Before cards are dealt, one or more players must place an initial contribution into the pot. This is known as a forced bet and comes in the form of an ante, blind bet or bring-in. Players may subsequently choose to bluff each other or simply act on the strength of their own hands.
A player who says “check” at the beginning of a new hand does not place any bets for that round and will not pay into the pot until someone else raises. Alternatively, a player may say “raise” to add more money to the pot and force everyone else to match or exceed it.
The best way to improve your Poker is to practice and watch experienced players. Observing how other players react to certain situations will help you develop quick instincts that will allow you to play better.