Poker is a card game that requires a bit of luck, but the game becomes a lot more skill-based when betting is involved. The game also requires discipline and a keen focus to avoid distractions and boredom at the table. A good poker player will commit to smart game selection as well, choosing games that fit their bankroll and strategy.

It’s important to be able to read your opponents, too. This can be done by observing body language and subtle physical tells, but it’s usually more effective to learn to read players from their betting patterns. For example, if a player is checking in every hand then they’re probably holding crappy cards and are trying to bluff more often than not.

Knowing which hands are likely to win can help you decide when to call or raise a bet. For example, if you have pocket fives and the flop comes A-8-5 then you’re in a great position to make a bet since nobody will have seen your hand yet. If you don’t mix up your style, however, your opponents will know what you have and will be able to pick off your bluffs easier.

In general, high pair and three of a kind hands tend to win more than straights and flushes, but this varies from table to table and can depend on how many people are in the pot. It’s also important to remember that a high card can break ties.