Poker is a card game in which players make bets with cards that are face down, with the winner of the round winning the pot (the total amount of money bet during that hand). It’s a game that involves a large element of chance. However, the actions taken by players at a poker table are often chosen on the basis of probability, psychology, and game theory.

At the beginning of a poker game, each player buys in with a specified number of chips. These chips have a specific value: A white chip is worth one unit, a red chip is worth five units, and a blue chip is worth 10 units. Typically, each player’s position at the table rotates after every hand.

During each round of betting, players can choose to “fold,” “call,” or “raise.” To fold means to forfeit the hand and give up your cards. To call means to match the previous player’s bet. To raise means to increase the size of your bet and challenge other players to call or re-raise.

When deciding whether to call or raise, the most important factor is your opponent’s body language. How long it takes them to decide and how they go about making their decision gives away bits of information about their strength or weakness. For instance, if they stall for a long time before making their choice, it’s likely that they have a good hand and are trying to determine how much of a profit they can expect to make if they win.