Poker is a game that requires both luck and skill to win. However, over time the application of skill will eliminate the variance of luck and make the game more predictable. A good poker player will maximise the value of their winning hands, minimise their losses from losing hands, and bluff at the right times.
The game is played from a standard pack of 52 cards, which are ranked (from high to low) Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. The joker, called a bug, may be used as part of a wild card hand, or the game might specify which cards are wild (dueces, one-eyes).
After players have received their two hole cards, there is usually a round of betting. Each player must place chips into the pot (representing money) equal to or higher than the bet placed by the player before him. A player who puts all of his chips into the pot is known as all-in.
Once the betting has finished, players reveal their cards. The player with the best 5-card poker hand wins the pot. Alternatively, the players can decide to split the pot money if they have a tie for the best hand. There is also the option to decide to play heads up. Playing heads up in poker allows the best players to maximise their winnings. But be careful – it can be very risky. Trying to play safe can lead to missed opportunities when a small amount of risk could yield a huge reward.