Poker is a card game that involves skill, strategy and a bit of chance. Players gamble with money or chips on the outcome of a randomly distributed set of cards, putting their long-run expectations into play through actions chosen on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory.
A round of betting begins after all players have received their 2 hole cards. This is triggered by mandatory bets called blinds put into the pot by the two players to the left of the dealer. These bets are designed to encourage players to play, as they create an incentive (a pot to win) for people to participate in the hand.
Once the betting is done, one additional card is dealt face up to the table (the flop). Players can now look at their cards and decide to Call a bet or Raise it. Raising is often done when a player knows that their opponent is bluffing, or when they have a strong enough hand to keep betting. Players can also Fold if they don’t think they have a good enough hand to continue betting and cut their losses.
In poker, like in life, it’s important to be able to weigh up your options and make decisions under uncertainty. Successful poker players can control their own emotions and are comfortable taking a risk. This translates into having confidence in their own abilities, and means that they can get through a job interview ahead of someone who has a better CV but may not be as confident.