Poker is a game of cards where players bet on the best five-card hand. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. There are a number of ways to win in a poker hand including a high pair, a straight, or a flush. Beginners should learn the basics of the game and be able to read other players’ tells. These are often subtle habits such as fiddling with chips or a ring, but can also be how a player holds their cards.
The ante is the first amount of money that must be put in to play the hand. When it is your turn to bet you say “call” to place a bet equal to the last person’s bet. You can also raise your bet if you think you have a good hand by saying “raise.” The other players will decide whether to call or fold your new bet.
Once the betting rounds are over the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that everyone can use, called the flop. Then there is a second round of betting.
The nuts are a pair of 7s. This is the best possible poker hand at this stage. However, if the flop is A-J-5 you’re in trouble, as someone can make a straight with these cards. If you still have your pair of 7s on the river you’ll again have the nuts. If not, you’ll lose to the higher pair.