Poker is a card game in which players place bets (representing money) into the pot. In a poker game, each player receives two cards face down. Each player then has the opportunity to raise or fold. The player who raises the most puts the most money in the pot and wins. The amount of money in the pot is called the pot size.
When it comes to Poker, the divide between break-even beginner players and big-time winners is much smaller than many people think. It is often just a few simple adjustments that can turn a mediocre player into a consistent winner. The first adjustment is to start viewing the game in a cold, detached, mathematical and logical way rather than emotionally and superstitiously as so many do.
Another important adjustment is to play your strong value hands in a straightforward manner. This means betting and raising a lot when your hand is ahead of the calling range of your opponent. This forces weaker hands to fold and increases the value of your winnings.
It is also a good idea to exercise pot control when you have a strong value hand. For example, if you have a good pair of Jacks and the flop is 2c-6c-4d you should raise by at least the minimum bet to get more value from your hand. This will prevent other players from seeing the flop for free and potentially drawing into your bluffs.