Poker is a card game that involves betting, and as such, requires some level of skill. The basic rules are simple: Each player must place an initial amount of money into the pot before seeing their hand (ante or blinds). Then they have a chance to bet and raise money with the rest of their chips in turn. The best hand wins the pot. There is some luck involved, but most of the game is strategy and psychology.
You can win a hand with two distinct pairs, three of a kind, straight, or flush. A straight consists of five cards in sequential rank, but from different suits. A flush consists of 5 cards in consecutive order, but from the same suit. A full house consists of 3 matching cards in one rank and 2 matching cards in another rank. High card breaks ties.
As you play, try to observe the other players and guess what they might be holding. It is important to remember that even experienced players make mistakes, and by observing their gameplay you can learn from their errors and avoid making the same ones yourself. You can also study the strategies of expert players and incorporate successful elements into your own gameplay.
In addition, it is helpful to start at lower stakes, so that you can minimize your financial risk and practice without feeling the pressure of losing real money. Lastly, after each practice session, dedicate time to reviewing your gameplay and analyzing your decisions to identify areas for improvement.