This game is usually played for money as, unlike other card games, for example euchre or cribbage, there is no scoring involved. The game is played using one deck of cards from which the dealer deals three cards to each player. Prior to the deal each player must place a sum of money, the 'ante', into what is commonly referred to as ' the pot'. Each player in turn bets by placing further money into the pot until there are only two players left in the game. The player with the highest ranking hand wins the contents of the pot.

To be successful at poker you should, at any time during the play of a hand, be able to calculate the odds of catching your hand to the odds the pot is giving you.

Knowing the probability of making a specific hand in poker can be done by calculating hand odds. Figuring out how many outs you have will give you the possibility of calculating the number of times you will hit your hand by the river.

Lets say your'e dealt A-9 of hearts in Texas Hold'em and the flop comes up showing two hearts. Your hand odds for hitting another heart by the river will be approximately 36% or 3 to 1. (you will hit your hand 1 out of 3 times)