Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves decision making. Players must decide whether to call or raise a bet, and if so to what size. These decisions are based on probability, psychology and game theory. In the long run, skillful play is likely to yield better results than unskillful play.

There are many variants of poker, but they all involve betting on the strength of a player’s hand. In a standard game, two cards are dealt face down to each player, followed by a round of betting. This is initiated by mandatory bets, called blinds, made by the two players to the left of the dealer.

A fourth card is then dealt, known as the Turn. At this point, players can judge their own strength and compare it with that of their opponents, based on betting patterns. Players can continue to check, call or raise, or they can fold.

The fifth and final card, known as the River, opens up, revealing the type of hand that each player has. If their hand is strong enough, they can win the pot of money. If not, they must reveal their hand and leave the table.

Often, players will establish a special fund, called the kitty, which is used to pay for new decks of cards and food and drink. When the game ends, any chips remaining in the kitty are divided equally among the players who remain in the hand.