Poker is a card game that involves betting. It is one of the oldest games around, dating back to at least 1694 when it was mentioned in a French book. Today, it is popular worldwide and has several different variants.

The most basic rules of poker are to raise when you have a strong hand and fold when you don’t. To be successful in the game, you need to be able to deceive your opponents by mixing up your betting patterns. Otherwise, they’ll know what you have and your bluffs won’t be effective.

When you’re in a poker hand with someone, you can use your body language to communicate what kind of cards you have. For example, you can make gestures that indicate you have a strong hand or you’re bluffing. Other tells include eye contact, facial expressions, and body posture.

In addition to being able to read your opponent, you need to be disciplined and have a good understanding of the game. This is because a successful poker player has to be able to manage their bankroll, choose the right games, and commit to smart play. It also means that you should avoid getting upset about your losses or excited after a win. A true professional never gets emotional about bad beats. Watch videos of Phil Ivey to see how he handles himself after losing a big hand. This level of mental toughness is what separates the winners from the losers in poker (and in life). If you want to be a good poker player, you need to learn from your mistakes and improve your game.