A card game played between two or more players, poker is a game of chance and strategy. It involves betting, raising, and bluffing in order to win money from other players. While a great deal of the game depends on chance, the long-term expectations of players are determined by decisions made based on probability, psychology, and game theory.

Players put money into the pot before each deal. This money is known as the ante or blind bet. After the ante is placed, the dealer shuffles the cards and then deals them to each player one at a time, starting with the player to his or her left. The cards are dealt either face up or face down, depending on the particular variant of poker being played. The first betting round begins after the flop (the first three community cards) and then again after the turn and river (the fourth and fifth community cards).

Before each round, players can check (not place any money into the pot), call (match a previous player’s bet), or raise (bet a larger amount than a previous player’s bet). When a player says “raise,” other players must choose to fold, call, or match their raised amount.

The decision to raise a bet is based on a number of factors, including the value of your hand and the odds of beating it. A good rule of thumb is to raise if you expect your opponent to call you, or if you have a strong enough hand to make a bluff and scare your opponents away from betting. It is also a good idea to raise if your opponent has been slow to act, or if you suspect that they are holding a weak hand.

While it is tempting to play it safe and only play your best hands, this strategy is usually counterproductive. It allows your opponents to easily pick off your bluffs, and it prevents you from taking advantage of opportunities where a small risk could yield a large reward.

There are many different ways to promote a poker run, from social media campaigns and email blasts to local sponsorships and partnerships with businesses and organizations that support your cause. You can even recruit celebrities, influencers, and other community leaders to get the word out about your event. Getting the community excited about your poker run can help you reach a much wider audience and encourage more people to participate.