In poker, players bet money into a central pot based on the strength of their hand. The game has a number of different forms, but in most cases a player wins the pot by having the highest-ranking hand at the end of each betting round. Initially, all players must make forced bets (usually an ante and a blind bet) before they can place any more money into the pot. The game requires at least two players and is usually played with poker chips, which vary in value from one white chip to 10 or more white chips depending on the particular poker variant being played.
There is a great deal of chance in poker, but like any competitive skill game, over the long run the best players will win. A lot of poker strategy is based on understanding when to make and call bets, which involves a combination of probability, psychology, and game theory.
To get better at poker, practice and observe other players to develop quick instincts. It’s also important to understand the rules of the game and how the different hands rank. In addition to reading the above articles, I recommend getting a poker book with some solid chapters on the topic. The book will allow you to learn and internalize the key formulas, so that when you’re at the table, you don’t have to rely on memory alone. It will also help you build your intuition to be a more effective bluffing player.