Poker is a card game played by two or more players. It is a game of chance, in which each player places an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. Depending on the rules of a particular game, this may be called an ante, a blind, or a bring-in. Then the cards are dealt, in three stages – an opening round of five community cards (known as the flop), an additional single card (called the turn) and a final card (called the river). Each player must either hold a qualifying hand or fold.
The best way to improve your poker skills is to study the game on a regular basis. This is true whether you are playing poker for fun or as a professional. However, the type of study you do is just as important as the amount of time you put in. This is why I have created this short video showing you how to structure your study routine so that you can improve quickly and get the most out of every hour you spend in front of the poker table.
When it comes to draws, your decision making process should always balance whether the pot odds and potential returns are likely to work in your favor. Don’t get caught up in ego and try to outwit your opponents by slowplaying your strong value hands – instead, be aggressive and raise when you expect your hand to be ahead of your opponent’s calling range.