In poker, people compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by all the players (called the pot). Using information about their opponents’ holdings and their own predictions as to what their opponents may do, they attempt to control the amount of money that ends up in the pot.

Poker is a card game in which players place bets on their cards and the strength of their hands, with raising and re-raising allowed during each betting interval. The highest-valued hand wins the pot.

A complete poker hand consists of five cards; the rank of each card is determined by its suit, from high to low (Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10, with spades being higher than hearts, diamonds and clubs). Some games also have wild cards, which take on any other rank or suit.

The first player to act in a betting round raises the ante. Players then have the option to call a bet or make a raise of their own, or they can drop out of a hand by putting no chips in at all. A bet is considered a “call” if the player puts in at least as many chips as the player to his or her left.

In poker, as in life, confidence can help you get through a job interview ahead of someone with a stronger CV. But you still need to weigh your chances carefully and know when to bluff. A good strategy can help you get further than others coming from more advantaged backgrounds – and win the pot.