Poker is a card game in which players bet against each other to win the pot. Each player has two cards that they can use, plus five community cards on the table. The highest ranking hand wins the pot. If a player has a high enough hand, they can also bluff to force their opponent to fold. There are many different types of poker games, and some have very complicated rules. It is important to grasp the basics before you learn anything else.
After the initial betting round is over, 2 additional mandatory bets are put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. These bets are called blinds and they create an incentive for people to play. Once the betting is over a third card is dealt face up on the board that everyone can use (this is known as the flop). Another round of betting happens and then a final fourth card is dealt (this is the river). There is one more betting round and then players reveal their cards in what is known as the showdown. The person with the best 5 card poker hand wins the pot including all the bets made at each round.
A big mistake beginners make is being too passive when they have a strong draw. You need to start raising your opponents more often if you have the chance if you want to improve your chances of winning a hand on later betting streets. You should also focus on playing from late positions if you can since this will give you control of the pot and allow you to maximize the value of your hands.