Poker is a card game played by 2 to 14 players with the aim of winning the pot (the sum of all bets placed). Each player places an ante, and then receives two cards. A round of betting then takes place, during which players can either check, call or raise. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot.
Poker can be a great way to test your nerve, but it also has quite a bit of skill involved. To write an article about it, focus on the by-play of the game: describing how your opponents react to the cards they receive and their betting patterns. You can also look at the nuances of the game, such as tells – unconscious habits that reveal information about your opponent’s hands.
If you have a strong hand pre-flop, try to reduce the number of players who are up against you by raising enough to scare away other players. This will force weaker hands to fold, and increase the value of your hand if you win.
Always have a reason for making a check, bet or raise – don’t make a move just because you can. Each action should be a calculated one, whether to maximise your chances of winning, deceive an opponent, or take advantage of their mistakes. For example, if you have a strong pair, don’t slowplay it – play it strongly to make your opponent overthink and arrive at incorrect conclusions. This will put you in a stronger position to trap them later on, or to pick up a tell that they’re bluffing.
