Poker is a game of cards where players compete against each other by wagering chips in a central pot. The game is a mix of skill, psychology and mathematics. Unlike other card games, poker has no forced bets at the beginning of each hand; instead players place bets voluntarily on the basis of expected value and game theory.

Once the flop action is complete, the dealer reveals the final community card known as the river. The players now have one last opportunity to act on their hands before the showdown.

If all players pass and no player takes a fourth card, the players reveal their cards and the highest hand wins the pot. If more than one player has a winning hand, the winnings are split between the players.

It’s important to know the basic poker rules in order to play the game. Beginners should also learn how to read other players and look for tells, which are nervous habits that indicate a weak hand.

Advanced players will often try to understand their opponent’s range, which is their entire set of possible poker hands. This allows them to make the best decision for their situation. For example, if they have top pair, they will try to figure out whether their opponent’s range includes a high or low straight, or a three-of-a-kind. They will then adjust their strategy accordingly. They will either fold, or raise their bet size to take advantage of their opponent’s range.