The game of poker involves betting between players who each have a hand of cards. Unlike other card games, in poker the highest hand wins the pot. A high hand is one with two distinct pairs, three of a kind, or a straight. If the hands have equal pair values, the fifth card determines which hand wins.
During the betting interval, each player can choose to either “call” (put chips into the pot that their opponents must call), raise, or fold. The player who calls the last bet puts their chips into the pot and remains in the hand until they showdown or they “drop” their hand (meaning they discard it and are out of the hand).
When playing poker, you should always try to make your opponents think you have a strong hand. The best way to do this is by raising. This builds the pot and can chase off other players that might have better draws.
It is also important to avoid limping. Many new players are tempted to limp in order to save money, but this is not the right move. You will lose more money by limping than you will by raising.