Poker is a card game played between two or more players. It involves betting, and the player with the best hand wins the pot (the sum of all bets placed in a given round). Unlike some other card games, it is not a pure luck game; skill can make or break your poker career.
The first thing you need to learn is the rules of the game. There are many variations of the game, but they all involve betting and the same basic elements. The game is played with cards that are dealt to each player, and there are rounds of betting in which a player can call, check, or raise (bet more than the previous player).
You should also pay close attention to your opponents. The way they act and what their tells are can help you figure out how strong their hands are. Whether they fiddle with their chips, give off a nervous vibe, or simply look at you when you call – these are all tells that can indicate their strength.
You should always play a hand that is the strongest you can, but keep in mind that the best hands don’t always win. You should aim to play aggressively to build the pot and chase off other players who may be holding a better hand than you.