Poker is a card game where players put money into the pot (called betting) after they are dealt cards. The person who has the highest hand at the end of the betting round wins the pot. Players can bet one of three ways: they can call a bet, raise a bet or fold their cards.

There is a lot of skill and psychology involved in poker, especially when the players have to risk their own money. To learn the rules of the game, get a book on the subject or find a group of people who play poker and ask them to teach you the basics.

It is important to be able to assess your own hand strength and know the odds of getting a particular card. This will help you determine the best course of action in a given situation. For example, if you hold pocket queens and the flop is A-8-5, it would be wise to continue to bet and hope that your opponent calls because this type of flop is very good for a bluff.

Another key skill is being able to read other players and understand their tells. This is achieved by studying a player’s body language, eye movements, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior. This will allow you to spot when a player is bluffing and can help you win more hands.