The game Poker involves betting and comparing cards. Players ‘ante’ an amount of money (it varies by game, ours is usually a nickel) to get their cards and then place bets into the middle of the table (called the pot). A hand ends when all players reveal their hands. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. During the hand, you may also request replacement cards to add to your hand.

Unlike some other gambling games, players can choose to ‘check’ their bets instead of raising it. This is done when you are not confident enough in your hand to risk losing more money. The other players can then call your bet, raise it, or fold.

If you have a good starting hand like a pair of Kings or Queens, it is generally best to bet aggressively. This will put the other players on notice that you are a threat and make them more likely to fold their hands.

Learning to take risks is a crucial part of the game. But it is important to build your comfort with risk-taking slowly, by taking smaller risks in lower-stakes situations. And don’t be afraid to change your strategy if it isn’t working – that’s the only way to improve! Just says she learned this lesson as an options trader and finds it to be very applicable in poker.