There are dozens of different poker games, from Texas Hold ‘Em to Draw to Badugi, but all share the same basic mechanics. Players bet chips, and then either make the best five-card hand they can or convince their opponents that they have the best hand. The game also involves a lot of chance and risk.
Before the cards are dealt, each player puts in a bet (either a blind or an ante). Then they are each dealt two cards that they keep hidden from the other players. The dealer then deals a fourth card called the flop which all players can use in their hands. Then another round of betting takes place. The highest ranked hand wins the pot.
Bluffing is an important part of the game, and it can be used to win large pots, especially if you can get others to call your bluff when you have a weaker hand. But it is not something that you should get into until you have developed a good understanding of relative hand strength.
Once you understand relative hand strength, you can begin to play a much wider range of hands. But be careful not to overplay weak hands in early positions. This will often put you out of position against an aggressor who can exploit you with re-raises when you are weak. In late positions, however, you can play a bigger range of hands and have the benefit of being able to manipulate the pot on later betting streets.