Poker is a card game that involves betting between players, based on probability, psychology and game theory. The game requires skill, particularly when bluffing is involved, to overcome the other players’ expectations.

A player can choose to fold, call (match another player’s bet), or raise (put more money into the pot than a previous player). There are four rounds of betting: preflop, flop, turn and river. The player with the best hand wins the pot (the total amount of money bet during the round).

Top players often fast play their strong hands. This means that they bet early and often, which builds the pot and also chases off other players waiting for a draw that can beat their hand. The middle option of limping is often wrong.

The earlier your position, the more risk you take on. Early positions like the SB and BB are at an immediate disadvantage because they have less information about their opponents’ actions than players in later positions do.

Be careful not to bluff too much, as this will make you predictable and reduce your winning potential. A good bluff can be very profitable, however, and it’s important to keep a balance between bluffing and playing strong hands.