Poker is a game of chance and risk where players put chips into the pot, or pool, before being dealt cards. Each player then forms a hand based on the card rankings, and whoever has the best hand wins the pot. Players can also raise their bets to force other players into putting more money in the pot.

If you want to win at poker, you need to have good card skills and know the rules of the game. It is important to choose your limits and the type of game that suits you. If you are a beginner, try out low stakes games and observe more experienced players to build quick instincts.

Once the cards have been dealt, each player can either call a bet (put in chips into the pot that are equal to or higher than the previous player’s), or fold. If you do not have a good hand, it is best to fold, so that you do not risk losing more than your buy-in.

One of the most important things to learn in poker is risk management, says Maria. She describes it as “the ability to make decisions and act in a way that reduces the potential for loss”. This is something she learned as an options trader, and also finds useful in poker. Basically, it means playing your strong value hands aggressively, and raising when you expect your opponent’s calling range to be too high.