Poker is a card game played by two or more people. The goal of the game is to form a winning hand based on the ranking of cards and to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets placed during the round. In order to do this, you need to make your opponent think that you have the best possible hand by betting aggressively.

The best way to become a good poker player is to work on your mental and physical game. This includes committing to studying the game in a focused and disciplined manner, and practicing your bet sizes and position. You also need to commit to smart game selection—choosing games that are appropriate for your bankroll and that provide the most opportunity for learning.

In addition to knowing the basic rules of poker, it’s important to learn about the different poker variants and how they differ from each other. You should also familiarize yourself with the hand rankings and understand how to calculate points. These tools will help you be a more effective player in any poker situation.

Another key to success is learning to read your opponents. This includes noticing their tells, which can be anything from fiddling with their chips to a clenched jaw. It’s also essential to know when to fold. Sometimes, even the most experienced players will get caught holding a bad hand. But don’t let these mistakes discourage you; just keep playing and working on your game. Over time, you’ll be able to break even or start winning at a higher rate.