This question can connote a couple of different meanings. Do you want to learn how to play -- such as the mechanics of the game -- or do you want to learn how to win? These are separate issues.
For the mechanics of the game, a good introductory book such as Winning Low-Limit Hold 'Em by Lee Jones (available at GreatStuff4Gamblers.com) is the way to go. Most beginning books will have a how-to chapter that goes into detail about rules, etiquette, terminology, etc. For example, you're dealt two cards only, then a flop of three cards, then a turn, then a river. Also, you'll want to make sure you know what beats what, such as a full house beats a flush, while they both beat a straight.
Your next step is to practice playing the game against live players with no money at stake. Nearly all the many online poker rooms have a play-for-free feature. We recommend two excellent rooms, UltimateBet, and Empire Poker. Click through from our links, download the software, and register for free. Then you can play the free money games. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the game at no risk.
Lots of casinos in Las Vegas and around the country provide poker lessons in their poker rooms for beginners. Call the poker rooms to find out if they do and what time they take place. They're almost always free.
If you want to win, that's an entirely different project and we won't be able to teach you that in this little space. Read the Lee Jones book referred to above, as well as the Sklansky/Malmuth poker books and Doyle Brunson's Super System. Then practice, practice, practice. Experience is the best poker teacher. Nothing can replace table time. Spend a lot of time at low-stakes games until you feel comfortable enough to put up bigger money.
