The Basics of Poker

Poker is a card game in which players wager chips (representing money) against each other. Each player must place a number of chips into the pot equal to or greater than the amount placed in by the player before him. Players may bet, raise or call. The winner is the player with a winning hand. Winning hands are based on combinations of cards and strategic action chosen by the players on the basis of probability, psychology, and game theory. While luck will always play a factor in the outcome of any given hand, skillful players can control the amount of luck that they experience by employing techniques such as playing in position, betting, raising, and checking.

The cards are shuffled, and the dealer deals the first of what may be several betting intervals. The player to the left of the dealer puts in the ante and/or blind bet. Players then act in turn.

You have a pair of kings off the deal, not great but not bad. Your opponent checks, meaning he doesn’t think his hand is good enough to bet at this point. You should bet in order to make him fold, or at least raise by the minimum amount. If you don’t, he will keep calling with weak hands, and you will miss out on value. Don’t be afraid to check with a strong starting hand, but don’t let the weak players see the flop for free!