In poker, players make wagers with chips (representing money) in a pot. The player to the left of the button makes the first bet. Then each player must place in the pot at least as much as the player before them if they wish to continue playing their hand. This is called ‘calling’.

Once everyone has placed in the minimum amount of money for the next round, three shared cards are dealt, and a second betting round takes place. Once all players have revealed their hands, the last player with the strongest hand wins.

Some of the best players in poker have written entire books about their strategy. However, even with this guidance, it’s important to develop a strategy that suits your own personality and style. You can do this by carefully examining your results and comparing them to your peers’. It is also a good idea to discuss your strategy with other players for a more objective look at your strengths and weaknesses.

The best poker players think beyond their own hands and try to work out the range of hands that an opponent could have. This allows them to make better decisions about how to play a hand. For example, if your opponent is holding a strong hand, you should bet aggressively to build the pot and chase off weaker hands. This will increase your chances of winning the hand. You should also remember to keep an eye on your opponents’ tells (eye movements, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior). This will help you spot players who are trying to hide their strong hands.