The Basics of Poker

Poker is a game of chance where you try to win a prize by assembling the highest possible hand from the cards in front of you. The aim is to do this while keeping your emotions in check and counting your money.

During the game, players place an ante (a fixed amount of cash) into the pot before the dealer deals cards to each player. Then, they can see their cards and bet accordingly. Once all players have matched the largest raise, the dealer deals three cards, also known as the flop.

Once the flop is dealt, each player will place another round of betting before revealing their cards. Then, the best five-card hand wins.

In this case, you have a fairly good hand, Ks-Kd-Jd-5c-3d, but not aces, so you call Alex’s bet and put twenty cents into the pot. Charley calls and puts a dime into the pot as well.

The flop is the key to your success in poker, so don’t be afraid to call when you don’t have much value. Even if you’re a bit disappointed at being called, it’s better to get out of the game than to continue battling for value.