How to Play Poker

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Poker is a card game played between two or more players and involves betting. While the outcome of any individual hand is largely determined by chance, a player’s long-run expectations are influenced by their actions, which are chosen on the basis of probability, psychology, and game theory. For example, a player who raises on a weak hand can induce other players to fold by pretending to have a strong one, or by bluffing.

The standard ranking of poker hands dictates that the best hand wins the pot. However, there are variations of the game where a lower-ranked hand wins, or where the highest and lowest hands divide the pot.

To play, each player places his chips into the pot before the dealer begins dealing cards. When it is your turn to act, say “call” to match the bet made by the last person (or raise it). If no one else calls, you can continue to call as many times as you want to keep raising the bet.

You should never hold your cards where other players can see them. This gives them an advantage and makes you look suspicious. It’s also annoying and slows the game down, especially when you are trying to read other players. Instead, try to keep your cards face down or held close to your chest (the origin of the phrase, playing it close to the vest). This way you can only be seen when you choose to reveal them.