A player can open the betting when no one has placed a bet, raise the ante, or raise the agreed minimum amount. Then, players take turns, starting with the player on the left, clockwise. Players must be careful when bluffing, as a good bluff can help you win the game. If you have a weak hand, fold or check. If you are betting with a strong hand, raise or check to force out the weaker player or raise the pot value.

Identifying the type of players can help you determine their betting patterns and read them better. Conservative players fold early when they have a good hand. This type of player will rarely lose as much money. It is easy to spot these players since they tend to avoid high betting and can be easily bluffed into folding. Conversely, aggressive players take risks and bet high early in a game. Once you know which type of player you’re dealing with, you can make your play accordingly.

A high-card hand wins when no other combination is possible, and the second-highest card breaks ties. Pairs are formed when two of the same cards are dealt, and a pair of higher cards wins when more than one player has two pairs. A straight is a five-card hand, and the player with the highest straight wins the hand. There are also variations of this hand, involving four, five, and six-card hands.