Poker is a card game in which players try to win a pot by having the best poker hand. It is a skill-based game that involves a combination of knowledge (game theory), practice, and luck. The game can be played by two or more players, and there are many different variations of the game.

Each betting interval, or round, begins when a player makes a bet of one or more chips. The player to his left must either “call” that bet, which means putting into the pot the same number of chips as the player before him, or “raise” the bet, which requires the player to put in more money than the previous player. If a player does not call or raise, he must “drop” and discard his cards and exit the hand until the next deal.

As you play poker, pay attention to other players and their body language. This will allow you to read their tells and pick up on their intentions. A good poker player is often able to get information about other players’ cards before they even announce their own.

Also, be aware of the bet sizes and stack size. A player’s bet sizing indicates how much they have invested in the pot and can be an indicator of their strength. Knowing your opponent’s stack size will also help you determine the best bluffing strategy. A strong bluff can force other players to fold their high-card hands.