Poker is a game of chance and decision-making. It is often played in a group of people and involves betting on the outcome of each hand. When a player does not feel they have a strong enough starting hand to win, they can choose to ‘Fold’ and forfeit the pot.
To continue in the current round, a player can say ‘call’. This means they want to make a bet equal to the last bet made by the player before them. They can also ‘raise’, which means they will raise the opening bet or ongoing bet amount and challenge other players to match or re-raise.
Observe and practice your own poker skills to develop quick instincts. This will help you to avoid making mistakes that cost you money or put you on ’tilt’. Being able to recognise when your opponent is about to blunder will give you an edge over them and improve your profit margin.
Learn how to read tells – the unconscious habits of a player that reveal information about their hand. These can be as simple as a shift in body language or as complex as a gesture. These can give you a huge advantage over your opponents and add intrigue to the narrative. Poker’s inherent unpredictability makes for a fantastic metaphor for storytelling and the nuances of human decision-making can easily translate into a compelling plot. The concept of a poker face in particular can be a very useful tool for developing intriguing characters that keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seat.