Poker is a card game that requires a combination of luck and skill to win. Over time, the application of skill can virtually eliminate the element of chance.
Every player starts with two cards dealt to them by the dealer. They then decide whether to stay in the hand, fold their cards or raise a bet. The player to their left acts first, they can either call (put out the same amount as the previous player), raise a bet or check (pass on the possibility of a bet).
After this the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that everyone can use, these are called community cards. A new round of betting begins, once again the player to their left acts first.
Once everyone is done with their betting the dealer puts a fifth community card on the table which all players can use, this is called the river. The final betting round takes place and if the player has the highest five-card poker hand they win the pot.
The key to good poker strategy is position, this gives you simple, cheap bluffing opportunities and makes it easier for you to make accurate value bets. You also get to know your opponents better so you can read their behavior and adapt your own strategy. Over time you will begin to have a natural intuition for things like frequencies and EV estimation. This will help you be more confident in your decision making and make you a better poker player.