Poker is a card game in which players wager money on the cards they receive from a random distribution. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins all of the money wagered in a round. Although poker does contain some strategic elements, it is considered a gambling game since the amount of skill involved is relatively low and the outcome is mostly based on luck.
Each player starts with 2 cards, face down (hidden from other players). Once everyone has received their cards, a betting phase begins. This betting phase is initiated by mandatory bets called blinds placed into the pot by players to the left of the dealer.
After the pre-flop betting phase, 3 additional cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. These cards are called the flop and become community cards that every player can use to build their best 5-card hand. The player with the highest-ranking 5-card hand wins the round and receives all of the money in the pot.
In poker, like in life, you need to weigh your chances and make decisions based on your personal circumstances. Having a higher starting capital is not a guarantee of success, but it can help you achieve your goals faster than someone coming from a less-advantageous background.
Regardless of the type of poker you play, there are some meta-skills that are universally important. These include the ability to identify and cultivate sources of relative advantage, the ability to be patient, and the ability to perform under pressure.