Poker is a card game that involves betting. The rules of poker vary depending on the casino, but the basics are the same. Players first make an ante (usually a dollar or $5), then bet into the pot at the center. The player with the best hand wins the pot. Betting rounds are done clockwise, and players have three options: to fold, raise, or match the other players’ initial bet. The winning hand is the one with the highest hand value.

A good range in poker is a balanced mix of bluff and value hands. The ranges are important, but they can also be influenced by different factors. For example, an aggressive player may use a different range than a passive player. In addition, a passive player may use a different hand in a different situation.

A loose player has many hands in range, so he’s more likely to run bluffs and fold to aggressive play. To counteract this, aggressive players should focus on thin value and multi-street bluffs. In addition, they should pay attention to pot odds. If the odds are better, they’re worth calling.

A hand’s odds depend on a number of factors, including the number of cards in the hand. For example, a pair of kings isn’t great off the flop, but it’s not bad. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.