Poker is a card game played by two or more players. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets placed during a single deal. The player with the best hand wins the pot. The cards are dealt in a clockwise fashion from a designated dealer button. Players place a bet, called a “blind,” before any cards are dealt. The player to the left of the dealer button posts (pays) the small blind, and the player to their right places the big blind.
After the bet phase, players reveal their hands. The player with the best hand wins the round. A poker hand can be a straight, flush, or three of a kind. A royal flush is the highest ranking hand and consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of the same suit.
When you have a premium hand, bet aggressively! This will put the pressure on weaker hands to call your bets or fold. It’s also a great way to give your opponent the wrong impression that you are bluffing.
Observe other players’ betting behavior. Learn their tells (eye movements, idiosyncrasies, etc.). A player who frequently calls and then suddenly raises is probably holding a good hand. If you aren’t sure what your opponent is holding, consider a bluff! Remember that a well-placed and timed bluff can win a hand when nothing else is available.