Poker is a card game where players place bets into a central pot. At the end of each round of betting, the player with the best hand wins the pot. Players must ante something (the amount varies by game, our games are typically a nickel), the dealer shuffles and cuts, then each player is dealt cards. Each player must then decide whether to call, check or fold. A player may also choose to put all of his or her remaining chips into the pot, called going all-in.
A few key concepts to understand when playing Poker:
The most important thing to realize about Poker is that it involves chance, but there is a lot of skill and psychology involved as well. Each action taken at a Poker table must be seen from the perspective of one long lifetime session and while it is rare to face exactly the same situation twice, hands tend to repeat themselves over time.
Depending on the format, the game can be fast paced and the betting action intense. As a result, it is very important to understand the value of position. Having good position allows you to see more of your opponents’ actions and make more accurate bets. It is also a critical element for making strong Poker hands.