Poker is a card game of chance that requires some skill and a little luck. But if you understand the principles of probability, psychology, and game theory, you can make decisions that maximize your winning potential. The goal of this workbook is to help you memorize the key formulas, internalize them, and build your intuition so that you can make decisions quickly and confidently at the table.
Once all players have received their 2 hole cards, there is a round of betting that starts with 2 mandatory bets called blinds put into the pot by two players to the left of the dealer. Once the antes and blinds are in place, the first player to act may raise his or her bet.
After the flop is dealt, another round of betting takes place. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. If a player wants to stay in the pot, they must increase their bet by an amount equal to the total staked so far by the last raiser, or else fold.
Bluffing is a big part of poker, and it is most effective when you can represent three of a kind, a straight or flush, or a high pair. Timing is also important. If you are going to bluff, you want to do so when your opponent is likely to have a bad hand or not have enough strength to call or raise. Watching an experienced player and imagining how you would react in their position is a good way to practice this.