Poker is a card game of chance with quite a bit of skill. When betting is introduced it becomes even more of a psychology game and there’s much more to learn (though this isn’t to say there isn’t luck).
Poker starts with players making an initial bet into the pot before cards are dealt. This is known as the ante. Players are then each dealt a set number of cards and betting occurs until everyone decides to call or fold their hand. The highest hand wins the pot.
Players take turns clockwise around the table revealing their hands. When one player has a high hand such as a pair, three of a kind, straight, or flush they must make a bet. If they don’t, they lose the hand.
When betting begins, you need to know how to estimate the strength of your opponent’s hand. This will help you determine if your bet is good or bad. As you play more and more, these probabilities will become ingrained in your brain. As a result, things like frequencies and EV estimation will naturally come to you without needing to think about them. You’ll also develop a more intuitive feel for how many hands you should call and how often to bluff. This is a great advantage to have. However, don’t forget that studying and observing experienced players is also very valuable in developing your own style and instincts. They all started out somewhere, too!
