A game of chance with a strong element of skill, Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world. Although the outcome of any particular hand can involve significant luck, the long-term expectation of a player is determined by the actions they choose to take, which are often informed by theories of probability, psychology and game theory.
Before the cards are dealt, players each place a bet (in chips or cash) into the pot. When it’s your turn to bet, you can say “call” or “I call” to match the last person’s bet and add your own money to the pot. Alternatively, you can fold your hand when it’s not worth betting on or raise to price the weak hands out of the pot.
After the pre-flop betting phase, 3 cards are revealed in the center of the table. These are called the flop and are community cards that everyone can use to build their best 5-card hand. The next betting phase begins with the player to the left of the button.
If you’re not in a good position to win your hand, it’s usually better to fold than to risk losing too much money. It’s also important to keep a short memory, because bad beats are going to happen. But that doesn’t mean you have to rant and rave or type ANGRY COMMENTS ALL CAPS in the chat box about it. Just re-buy, share a laugh and move on.