Poker is a fascinating game that challenges our ability to overcome our own weaknesses and to keep our emotions in check. It is also a great window into the way in which humans interact.
A player places chips (representing money) into a pot in turn after each betting interval according to the rules of the particular poker variant being played. The first player to do so is known as the “pot control” and has the right to raise on every subsequent bet or fold his hand.
After the initial betting round is over the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that everyone can use – called the “flop.” This is when you’re likely to find a strong hand and bet big. This will usually force others out of the hand as they will realize that you are likely holding a good hand.
Top players often fast play their strong hands to build the pot and chase off other opponents that might be waiting for a draw that beats yours. A strong full house, for example, is comprised of 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank (suits may skip around in rank or sequence).
Learn to read your opponents. Study their eye movements, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior. Try to figure out if they are calling or bluffing with their current hand. If you are able to figure out the latter, it can give you some good bluffing opportunities.