Poker is a game of chance and skill. It involves betting and bluffing, as well as reading your opponents. A player’s actions in Poker are determined by a combination of probability, psychology, and game theory. In addition, the game involves an element of luck, which can change a player’s expected return over the long term.

Each betting interval, or round, begins when a player makes a bet of one or more chips. Players may “call” that bet by putting into the pot the same number of chips as the previous player, or they may raise it. Players who do not wish to call or raise may choose to “drop out,” discarding their cards and leaving the hand.

The goal of any Poker player is to improve their winning percentage over the long run, and this can be done through several methods. First, players should commit to a smart game selection. A fun game is not necessarily the most profitable game, and it won’t help a player learn new strategies.

The other major part of a successful Poker strategy is utilizing the game’s bluffing elements. Although a player’s best cards determine their chances of winning, a large amount of money can be won through a clever bluff, especially on later streets. However, a player should be careful not to bluff excessively and to only make good bluffs. It is also important to play aggressively when holding a strong hand, as this will lead to a larger pot size.