Most poker players will tell you that luck is a big part of the game. However, if you can stick with your strategy and stay patient it will pay off. The ability to bluff well and know when to fold is key. You will lose hands occasionally and it stings, but the long term is always more profitable.
Poker starts with one player placing in the pot a number of chips (representing money) equal to that of the player to his or her left. This is known as the ante.
After everyone has placed their antes the dealer deals 3 cards face up on the table which are all community cards that anyone can use. This is called the flop. After the flop betting continues.
If you have a strong hand like 3 of a kind, 2 pair or higher then bet. This will force weaker hands out and increase the value of your pot.
A common mistake is to check when you have a good hand, especially in late position. This allows your opponents to see how strong your hand is and gives them an opportunity to call you with a bluff. You should only check if you have a strong hand or think that the player to your right is calling your bluff. This will prevent you from losing a lot of chips. If you do decide to bluff be sure to have good cards and don’t make your bluff too large.
