How to Write a Poker Scene

In poker, players make decisions based on probability, psychology and game theory. Unlike chess, where there is no hidden information and only luck determines the outcome of a hand, poker requires resources to be committed before all the facts are known. This creates a tension between what is controllable and the unknown. The skill of poker is to separate these two elements and to bet with confidence in one’s decisions.

Before each player is dealt their cards, they must place a bet into the pot. Depending on the rules of the game, this can be either a blind bet or an ante. After each player has placed their bet, they are then dealt two cards face down, which they hide from other players. After the pre-flop betting phase, the flop, turn and river are revealed and the best 5-card hand wins the round and the money in the pot.

The most effective way to engage a reader in a poker scene is to focus on the characters and their reactions. The by-play of poker is what makes the game interesting, not the series of card draws, bets and checks. Focus on who flinched, who smiled and who didn’t even blink.

It’s important to be respectful and collaborative with other professional poker players in order to maintain a good relationship and a healthy bottom line. If other players dislike you, they will go out of their way to hurt your bottom line and will be reluctant to get into hands with you.