Explain the different stages of a poker game, including pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.

Poker is a popular card game that involves a combination of skill, strategy, and luck. There are different variations of the game, but the most common one is Texas Hold'em. In this game, each player is dealt two private cards, and then five community cards are placed face-up on the table. The objective of the game is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of the two private cards and the five community cards.

There are four main stages in a Texas Hold'em game: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. In each stage, different actions are taken and different cards are revealed.

1. Pre-flop: This is the first stage of the game, where each player is dealt two private cards, also known as hole cards. Once all players have their cards, the first round of betting begins.
2. Flop: After the pre-flop betting round is complete, the dealer reveals the first three community cards on the table, known as the flop. These cards can be used by all players to create their hand. Another round of betting takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
3. Turn: The fourth card is revealed after the flop betting round is complete, known as the turn. This card can also be used by all players to create their hand. Another round of betting takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
4. River: The final card is revealed after the turn betting round is complete, known as the river. This is the last card that can be used by all players to create their hand. A final round of betting takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.

At the end of the river betting round, if more than one player remains in the game, a showdown occurs, and the player with the best hand wins the pot.

It's essential to understand the different stages of a poker game to develop a successful strategy. Knowing when to fold, when to bet, and when to raise is critical to playing winning poker. Additionally, understanding the different hand rankings is important, as this determines the strength of a player's hand and the likelihood of winning the game.