Whether you’re a card sharp looking to improve your game or just starting out, a solid understanding of poker basics is essential. This includes the basic rules, types of hands and betting etiquette.
When it’s your turn to bet, say “call” to put up the same amount as the person before you, or “raise” if you believe you have a strong hand. You can also fold if you don’t think your hand is good enough.
If no one raises the bet, the cards are revealed and the player with the highest ranking hand wins. If there is a tie, the prize, if any, is split equally between players.
The first thing to learn is the difference between checking and folding. Checking means you don’t want to bet but still want to participate in the round. Folding on the other hand means you’re throwing your cards away.
Pay attention to other players’ actions and try to pick up on any hints that they might be holding weak hands. This is known as reading your opponents and it can be achieved through subtle physical poker tells, or by simply paying attention to their betting patterns.
Bluffing is an important part of the game but it’s best not to try too many bluffs as a beginner. You’re not yet learning relative hand strength so you might not know whether your bluff is working or not!