Poker is a card game in which players place bets against each other. It is a game that involves skill, psychology, and probability. The game can be played for money or as a hobby. It is important to play only when you are happy and in a good mood, as the mental demands of the game can be exhausting. You should also avoid places that tolerate cheating.

The game is played with chips, which are assigned values by the dealer before each hand. Players must put a small amount of money into the pot prior to each hand, called the ante. Players may also place additional chips into the pot if they wish to continue betting in a hand. When a player bets, it is called “calling”.

Expert poker players are able to hide their tells, unconscious physical signs that give away the value of their hands. These can include tics, body posture, or staring at the cards for too long. In addition to keeping their faces covered, good players know how to play their hands well to limit their opponent’s chances of guessing the strength of their holdings.

A good starting range for a poker player is pocket pairs, suited aces, and broadway hands. These hands constitute about 25% of all starting hands and are a solid foundation to build upon. As you become more experienced, you will be able to adjust your range based on the size of your opponent’s raise (the larger the raise, the tighter you should play and vice versa) and stack sizes.