Poker is a card game where players place bets to win the pot. There are multiple rounds of betting where players can fold (exit the hand), call (match an opponent’s bet amount), or raise (bet a larger amount than a previous player’s bet). Depending on the rules, one or more mandatory bets may be placed into the pot before the cards are dealt. These bets are called antes, blinds or bring-ins.
A good starting hand range is important in poker, but so too is knowing your opponents and understanding their betting patterns. Taking a hands-on approach to studying your opponents will help you make more profitable decisions.
After all, winning poker requires more than just luck—it also involves deception. Many players will open their hands with a hand that is beatable, but they don’t fold because they want to try to trick their opponents into calling them. This type of play is a mistake and can lead to serious losses.
Another strategy element is folding when the risk outweighs the reward, especially post-flop. You don’t want to be left holding a weak hand on a later street, especially when you’re at the disadvantage of your position. When you’re unsure, it’s usually best to check and see a free turn or river card. Watch videos of Phil Ivey to see how he deals with bad beats—he doesn’t show any emotion and keeps playing, which is why he’s such a successful player.