Poker is a card game where players compete for an amount of money contributed by all the players (called the pot). The player with the best 5-card hand wins the pot, if no other players fold. Each action in a poker hand, whether to call, raise or fold, communicates information to your opponents. A good poker player learns to interpret these tells, both conscious and subconscious, and uses them to his advantage.
The first two seats to the left of the dealer make “blind bets” — the small and big blinds, respectively – before starting hands are dealt. All players have to act despite incomplete information about their opponents’ hands, and the decisions they make are constantly adjusted by what they observe of the other players. The game of poker reflects this dynamic and, in many ways, resembles real life: resources must be committed before the full picture is clear.
Beginners are usually taught to play tight, or conservative, in the beginning. This helps them avoid wasting their money by playing junk hands and allows them to make more money when they do have good ones. However, playing it safe can also lead to a lack of opportunities, especially with larger bet sizes. Playing only the best hands can expose one to being exploited by other players who know they have weaker draws, and it can prevent you from raising the pot when bluffing is called. This is why it’s crucial to learn to play smart and aggressively.