Poker is a card game in which players make bets with chips. Each player has a certain number of chips, usually 10 or more, which represent varying values. A white chip is worth a minimum ante or bet; red chips are worth five whites; and blue chips are typically worth 20 or more whites. Some games use only a single type of chip, while others allow a mixture of different types. Players begin a betting round by putting their chips into the pot (called “calling”).
Once all players have two hole cards, there is a round of betting called the “flop.” An additional community card is dealt face up and another round of betting begins.
After the flop, the players are left with four cards and can now decide whether to continue their hand or fold. In a showdown, the player with the best poker hand wins the pot.
A good strategy for beginners is to play tight and only call when they have a strong hand pre-flop. This will make it hard for opponents to put you on a hand and will save you money in the long run.
More advanced players try to work out their opponent’s range of hands in a particular situation. This means they will calculate the full selection of hands that their opponent could have and try to guess what their chances are of making a good hand. This is much more complex than simply attempting to put them on a specific hand and will help you win more often.