How to Bluff in Poker

Poker is a card game played by two or more players. It requires a high level of skill, as well as a willingness to take risks and make big decisions. The ability to read other people and their reactions at the table is also a key component of success.

In a game of poker, the player places an initial amount into the pot before the cards are dealt. This amount is called the ante, blind or bring-in. The dealer then deals each player one card face up and two cards facing down. There are thirteen different card ranks, so you can receive 169 possible starting hands.

The basic hand combinations are: a straight, three of a kind, four of a kind and five of a kind. A straight consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. Three of a kind consists of three cards of the same rank, while four of a kind is made up of two matching cards of one rank and two unmatched cards of another rank.

It is important to be able to fold a weak hand. Trying to win with a bad hand can bleed you dry and leave you vulnerable to big bets from stronger players. When it comes to bluffing, a good understanding of your opponent’s range is essential. This means calculating the selection of hand rankings they could have and estimating how likely it is that their hand beats yours.