Poker is a card game of chance and skill. It involves making decisions based on probabilities and psychology, especially bluffing. A poker hand mimics real life in that resources must be committed before all the information is known. Even after the cards have been revealed, players don’t know if their hand is good or bad. As such, it is important to have a strong grasp of probability and game theory to make the best decision in any given situation.

Maria Konnikova is a PhD in psychology who decided to learn poker to better understand the role of uncertainty and luck in our lives. Her book, The Biggest Bluff, is a memoir as well as a meditation on the art of poker and its influence in our own lives.

Tournaments come in all shapes and sizes, from major poker events like the World Series of Poker to local “weeklies” that happen in bars, card rooms, community centers, and occasionally at universities. These smaller tournaments are where most newcomers get their feet wet, bringing structure to friendly competitions that have previously been more informal. These tournaments are also where you’ll find many of the most competitive players in the area. In fact, many of the largest casinos in the world were founded by poker players who wanted to bring more legitimacy to the game. They knew that if the game was regulated and the stakes were high enough, it would attract players from all over the world.