Poker is a card game played with chips. Players buy chips to place bets on the hand they wish to play, or “buy in.” A white chip is worth the minimum ante bet; other colors may also be used for higher amounts. Typically, each player has the same number of chips in front of them.
Cards are dealt one at a time, usually starting with the player to the left of the dealer. A player may bet any amount of chips they choose and raise or fold. If a player raises, the rest of the players may call that bet or fold. When the betting ends, the player with the best hand wins the pot.
A good poker player will fast-play strong hands, to build the pot and potentially chase off other players with weaker hands. A good poker player will use bluffing to their advantage, as well.
The best way to improve at poker is to practice and watch experienced players. Observe how they react to situations, and imagine how you’d react in those same circumstances. This will help you develop quick instincts in the game. Ultimately, it is better to play the game by feeling and intuiting than to memorize complicated systems.