Poker is a game of chance, but it also relies on skill. It’s about reading the other players in a hand, and making changes to your strategy as you learn more about how they play. This is why poker is such an exciting and compelling game, and it’s why you should try to play as often as possible!

The game begins with each player receiving two cards. Then, a third card is dealt simultaneously on the table for all players to share, called the “flop.” This is followed by another round of betting. The goal is to form a winning hand based on the card rankings, and win the pot (the sum of all bets) at the end of the hand.

Bets are made by each player in turn, and can be either raises or calls. A raise means to place a bet that is equal to or greater than the previous player’s bet. A call means to make a bet without raising. Some players also choose to pass their turn, and this is known as folding.

In order to write a compelling story about poker, you’ll want to include some anecdotes. These are stories about specific hands that have happened to you or to your friends and can be a great way to engage readers and bring the game to life. You’ll also want to include descriptions of the tells that poker players use – these are unconscious habits, such as eye contact or facial expressions, that give away their strength of their hand.