Poker is a card game with millions of fans. It’s a great way to develop an analytical mindset, build comfort with risk, and learn how to make tough decisions. It also helps players become more aware of their environment and their own emotions, which is an important skill in any situation.

Before a hand begins, one or more players are required to place forced bets, called antes or blind bets, into the pot. The dealer then shuffles the cards, and deals them to the players one at a time, beginning with the player on their left. Players then have the option to call, raise, or fold.

When making a bet, it is important to consider the size of the pot and the odds that your hand will win. This is called pot odds, and it is a fundamental concept in poker strategy. A good rule of thumb is to always bet more than your opponents are raising, because this will give you a much better chance of winning the pot.

It’s also important to play your strong value hands as straightforwardly as possible. Don’t try to outsmart your opponents or let them overthink their hands and arrive at bad conclusions. In most cases, you’ll want to bet enough to get the maximum number of chips out of your opponents, and this will require you to be able to assess their calling range and bet accordingly. If you’re not comfortable doing this, you may be leaving money at the table.