Poker is a card game with many variations, but they all follow the same basic rules. It’s a fast-paced game with players betting on the strength of their hands, often bluffing. It’s important to keep a clear mind and not let your emotions run wild, as this will help you stay ahead of your opponents.
The first two cards dealt to each player are called hole cards. There is then a round of betting, usually initiated by 2 mandatory bets put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. Players can choose to call the bet, raise it or drop out of the hand altogether.
Another three cards are dealt face up, known as the flop. Then there is a further round of betting, and the players now know what kind of hand they have.
After the flop, one more card is revealed, known as the River card. Depending on the rules of your game, it may be possible to draw replacement cards for the ones in your hand at this point.
After the river, the remaining players reveal their hands and the winner is determined. This is a great opportunity to introduce some characterisation, showing how the other players react to their own cards and to each other’s bets. For example, you can show what sort of person the player is by their tells, which are unconscious habits that give away information about their hand. These can include eye contact, facial expressions and body language.