Poker is a card game that involves betting. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and can be enjoyed by players of any age or skill level. It is a popular pastime for many and a source of entertainment and even income for some.

The basic rules of Poker are as follows: Players place an ante or blind bet before being dealt cards. Then, each player must decide whether to call or fold their hand. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. The rank of the hands is determined by their odds (probability). Two identical hands tie and share any winnings equally.

There are many things that can make you a good poker player, but one of the most important is developing an accurate sense of your opponent’s range. This is not an easy thing to do and requires some work on your part but it can be very helpful in improving your game. Some simple examples of how to put an opponent on a range include their call pre-flop, their betting style, and how long they take to make a decision.

Another important element of being a good poker player is thinking about future streets before making your decisions. This is something that all good players do, and it gives them an edge over those who don’t think about their strategy beyond the current betting street. By always thinking ahead, you can avoid making big mistakes and improve your win rate.