Poker is a card game of chance and skill, where betting gives the player the opportunity to make risky decisions. The result of any hand depends on both chance and the players’ actions, which are chosen on the basis of probability theory, psychology, and game theory.
A complete hand of cards is dealt to each player, face down. There are then one or more rounds of betting, where players may raise their bets or fold. At the end of a hand, the highest ranked hand takes the pot. The game can be played with anywhere from 2 to 14 players, though in most forms the ideal number of players is 6.
The first step in poker involves the forced bets called blinds put into the pot by the two players to the left of the dealer. These bets are made so there is an incentive for people to play and there is money in the pot to win. After the antes are placed, each player is dealt two cards. The player to the right of the dealer then places a bet, which may be raised or folded.
You have a pair of kings off the deal and decide to call. You have a good hand and are trying to keep the pot large. You know that Dennis has a full house and you want to make sure your bet is big enough to scare him into folding before showdown.