Poker is a card game where players make decisions when they don’t have all the information. Like in business, it’s a high-pressure situation that forces you to combine the critical pieces of information to make a decision. The game is often described as a battle of bluffs, and it requires you to be able to read your opponents and understand their tells.
Initially, each player puts a small amount of money into the pot before any cards are dealt. This is called a forced bet and comes in the form of an ante, blinds or bring-ins. Once all players have their 2 cards, a round of betting begins. A fifth community card is then dealt and the aim of the hand is to make the best 5 card poker hand from your own 2 cards and the five community cards. If you are able to force all other players to fold with a strong enough hand, you win the pot.
To maximise your chances of winning, you need to balance up the odds in the pot and the potential returns from calling or raising. For example, if you have a decent pair of kings but only 20 cents in the pot, it’s usually better to raise than call.
You can develop your poker instincts by practising and watching experienced players play. Try to analyse how they react and use this as inspiration for your own strategy. Also, practice keeping a tight budget – both for each session and over the long term – to avoid making rash bets that could cost you your bankroll.
