The True Nature of Poker

Few people grasp the true nature of poker. At its core, poker is not a card game. Players use cards, but it is not a game of cards. It is a game of psychology.

Poker is a game of reading people. It is a game of analyzing and understanding those around you. It is a game of posturing, a game of manipulation, a game of interpersonal relationships and a game of supreme, raw competition.

Poker's fundamental concepts are amazingly simple. You take turns wagering against opponents, with cards settling the outcome if needed. That's all there is to it. Yet the intricacies of the game are challenging beyond anything that exists in the gaming world. To play well, you need deep intellect, reliable intuition, unfailing resource-fulness, steel nerves and raw courage. And you need the ability to concentrate for extended periods at a level that is nearly inhuman. No other game demands such a combination of skills.

The concept of wagering has been around since the dawn of humankind. One person believes something. Another person believes something contrary. Before finding out who is right, both parties agree to put a stake on the outcome. Each person places a share of money into a common area to be held in trust until a determination is made as to which person is correct. That person is declared the winner, and the winner is awarded the total amount wagered.

Wagers come in all shapes and sizes. One person believes the 49ers will beat the Dolphins by seven points. Another person believes they will not. A wager can be made. One person believes he can run a mile in five minutes. Another person believes he cannot. A wager is possible. One person believes he might be able to pick the correct lottery numbers. The state believes he (and sufficient millions of others) will pick wrongly. A wager is available.

Poker is a game of wagering. Players sit at a table and use cards to determine the rank of their hands. The players make wagers whenever they think they will end up with the best hand or be able to get other players to fold. Players bet when they believe doing so is to their advantage.