Poker is a card game that requires a combination of skill, psychology and game theory to be played successfully. While the outcome of any particular hand significantly involves chance, in the long run, the players at a table choose to bet and raise on the basis of expected value.

When you have a weak hand, it’s usually better to check and fold than to continue betting at your face value. This will save you money and keep your opponent from catching a good hand later in the betting round.

After a player makes forced bets, the dealer shuffles and deals cards to each player one at a time. The cards can be dealt face up or face down, depending on the game variant being played.

Once all the players have their cards, the first of several betting rounds begins. During each betting round, a player may choose to place additional bets into the pot by matching the bet of the previous active player or raising it further. If a player declines to match or raise a bet, they must call and lose their rights to the original pot (but still retain their chances of winning side pots).

When playing poker, learn how to read other players’ tells. These aren’t just nervous habits like fiddling with their chips or a ring; they also include the way in which players play their hands. For example, a player who has been calling all night and then suddenly raises is probably holding an unbeatable hand.