At the start of a poker game, each player “buys in” by placing a number of chips into the pot. In a standard game, one white chip equals the minimum ante or bet; a red chip is worth five whites; and a blue chip is usually worth either 10 or 20 whites.
When it is your turn to act, you can raise the bet or check. You can also call a bet (saying “I call”) to match the amount raised by the previous player. If you call, your cards are revealed and the best five card poker hand wins the pot.
Studying and observing experienced players can help you adopt effective strategies and avoid common pitfalls. However, it is important to develop your own style and instincts as well. Playing at lower stakes minimizes financial risk, allowing you to make mistakes and experiment with different strategies without the pressure of big losses.
When analyzing the poker board, think about what types of hands other players might have and how your pocket cards would pair with them. For example, if the board is full of spades, you can be fairly certain that someone will have a flush and might raise when you call. Conversely, if the board is full of fours and you have two of them in your pocket, you might want to fold because other players are likely to expect three-of-a-kind. This is why position is so important – it gives you cheap and effective bluffing opportunities when it’s your turn to act.