The Basics of Poker Strategy

Poker is a game of skill and chance, and it’s a fascinating window into human nature. It’s also a test of discipline and self-control, as even the most well-thought-out strategy can be derailed by the vagaries of fate. That’s why it’s so important to understand the intricacies of poker strategy and learn the rules to help you become a force at your table.

Each betting interval (a round) starts when a player puts in chips into the pot. The player to their left can then choose to “call” that bet by putting in the same number of chips, or raise it. Alternatively, they can simply drop their hand, which means they’re out of the hand for the rest of the round.

While new players often try to put their opponents on a specific hand, experienced players work out their opponent’s range of hands. This helps them to make better decisions and maximise their chances of winning.

The last player to act has the advantage of being able to inflate the size of the pot, which can be beneficial when holding a strong value hand. However, it’s important to remember that this will also attract the attention of players who are chasing a weak draw and will be more likely to call your bets. This can be costly, especially in the long run, so you need to balance your play. A good rule of thumb is to always bet on your strongest hands, but raise when necessary to price the weaker ones out of the pot.