A game of poker involves betting between players using cards that they and other players have in their hands. A hand contains five cards. The value of a poker hand is in inverse proportion to its mathematical frequency; the more unusual the hand, the higher its rank. During betting rounds, players may check, meaning they pass on the opportunity to bet; call, putting chips into the pot that their opponents must match or raise; and fold, forfeiting their hand. Players may also bluff, or make false claims that they have a good hand when they do not.
When everyone has their 2 personal cards, there is a round of betting that begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Then 3 additional cards are dealt on the board called the flop, turn, and river. At this point there is another opportunity to bet and the player with the highest ranked hand wins the pot.
If you have a strong pocket pair, it can be worth it to stay in the hand and raise your bets when the flop comes. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and increase the value of your hand. Don’t get attached to your pocket kings or queens though, if the flop is full of high cards, they are likely doomed no matter how strong you think your pair is. Also, watch other players and try to emulate their strategies in order to develop quick instincts.
