Like many games of chance, poker requires decisions. Perhaps the most important decision is whether or not to play a hand. This decision determines if your action has a positive expectation. In many instances, your actions will result in a positive expectation, while bad decisions will likely result in a net loss. Here’s a primer on the rules and psychology of poker. But if you’re just getting started in poker, you can also find some helpful tips and tricks to improve your game.

In a game of poker, players receive seven cards. In general, seven cards are dealt to each player, and each of these seven cards has a value. Normally, the lowest-value chip is the white chip. Other chips are colored red, white, blue, or green. Typically, the dealer assigns a value to each chip before the game starts. To start playing, players must buy in by purchasing chips equal to the amount of money they wish to bet.

The highest-ranking hand is a royal flush, which consists of five cards of the same rank and suit. A royal flush can only be tied by a royal flush of another suit. Another high-ranking hand is a straight flush, which consists of five cards of the same rank. And in case you’re thinking about playing poker, you need to know that a straight flush is not possible unless you have a royal flush.