Poker is a card game in which players place bets to form a hand. The highest ranking hands win the pot at the end of each betting round. The rules of poker vary from variant to variant, but the basic strategy is always the same. The most important skill is knowing how to minimize losses with poor hands and maximize winnings with good ones.

Managing your bankroll is another key skill in poker. As a general rule, only play in games with money you can afford to lose. It’s also a good idea to avoid playing against players at your own skill level, as this can lead to big losses.

Learning to read your opponents’ tells is one of the best ways to improve your game. This includes paying attention to a player’s idiosyncrasies, such as their eye movements and other body language, as well as their betting habits. For example, a player who calls frequently but suddenly makes a huge raise could be holding a strong value hand.

During each betting interval, or round, players have the option to call a bet, raise a bet, or fold their hand. When a player says “call,” they will match the amount of chips that the previous player placed into the pot. Players can also say “raise” to put in a larger amount than the previous player, or they can “drop” (fold), meaning that they will not place any chips into the pot and will not participate in the next deal.