Poker is a card game in which players put chips into a pot that other players can call, raise, or drop. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot at the end of each betting interval. Typically, players call a bet without revealing their cards and then bluff when they think they have a good chance of winning. New players need to learn how to read other players and look for tells. A common tell is fiddling with a ring or chip. Other tells include an opponent’s body language, such as how they make their movements.

Playing your strong value hands aggressively is an important part of the game. The more your opponents know what you have, the more likely they are to overthink and arrive at wrong conclusions. It’s also important to mix it up and keep your opponents guessing as to what you have by raising often.

Observe experienced players and try to mimic their behavior to develop your own instincts. You’ll be a better player for it. Another key concept is bankroll management. Always gamble with an amount you can afford to lose. Track your wins and losses and adjust accordingly.