Despite its reputation for being a game of chance, poker requires considerable skill and deception to succeed. Players make bets based on their own evaluation of expected value and the chances of getting a good hand, as well as consideration for how other players are playing. This combination of luck and skill makes the game more challenging than it would otherwise be.

One of the first things a beginner should do before playing poker is to familiarize themselves with the game’s terminology. This will help them understand what other players are talking about when they play and make decisions quickly. There are a few terms that every player should know:

Antes

This is the small amount of money all players have to put into a pot before they can be dealt in. Antes are required by the rules of poker and help create a pot instantly. They also encourage competition and are an essential part of the game.

Calls

A player who calls a bet simply puts in the same amount as the person making the bet. This is done to try and bluff other players or get more information about their opponents’ hands.

Raise

When a player raises a bet it means they are trying to force other players out of the hand by making them think they have a strong hand. It can be a great way to win a hand but it is important to keep in mind that it can also backfire and lead to other players raising the price even higher.

Flops

A flop is the first three cards that are dealt face up on the board and everyone can use them to make a poker hand. The flop can change the direction of the hand and many times this is when a good poker player gets paid off.

High card

A high card is any card that beats all other poker hands. It is usually the highest card in a pair, but it can also be the second or third highest depending on the situation. A high card also breaks ties in case two players have the same pairs, and can be used to determine a winner in a tie between three or more hands.

The nuts

The best possible poker hand at any given point in a hand is the nuts, which are pocket 7’s. This is considered the best poker hand, and is often referred to as a “set”. The nuts are made up of 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A straight is five cards that are consecutive in rank and from the same suit, while a flush is any 5 cards that are of the same suits but do not include any matching pairs.

As you play poker more and more you will want to start looking at the game from a more analytical perspective. This is important because you will start to notice trends in the way other players are playing. This can be a huge advantage in your game because it will allow you to see if there is any value in raising before the flop, turn or river, or if you should just check and call.