Poker is a game of chance, but when you add betting to the mix it becomes a lot more of a game of skill and psychology. Whether you’re trying to win big at the World Series of Poker or simply play a little for fun with friends, there are some basic rules that every player should know.
The ante – the first amount of money that all players must put up in order to be dealt in a hand.
The pot – the total amount of money in the game after all the bets have been made.
The flop – the three cards on the board that determine the value of your hand.
The turn – the fourth card on the board that could potentially give you more information about your opponent’s hand.
If you’re holding a strong hand, it’s important to bet fast. Not only will this build the pot and make you more money, but it will also chase off people who have draws that can beat your hand.
Position
Your starting hand is important, but even more important is your position at the table. If you’re in an early position like the SB or BB, it’s almost always best to check your opponents’ actions before you make any bets. Jumping in first can risk a large amount of money if the person after you has a better hand.
You can also use your position to help you control the size of the pot on later betting streets by either calling or raising with a good hand. Basically, you want to be the aggressor at the table, not the person who’s trying to defend against aggression.