Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involves betting on the strength of a player’s hand. It is widely considered a game of chance, but there are many strategies and tactics that can be employed to improve a player’s chances of winning. It is a popular pastime and is played in homes, clubs, and casinos around the world.

One of the most important skills to develop in poker is reading other players. This is a skill that can be learned and improved over time by studying facial expressions, body language, and other tells. There are also specific things that a poker player should look out for such as the way an opponent moves their chips and cards, how they talk about their hands, and their mood shifts.

When it’s your turn to play poker, you can say “call” if you want to raise the amount of money that goes into the pot. For example, if the person to your right raised $10 and it’s your turn, you can say “I call” to match their bet.

If you don’t want to raise the amount of money that goes in the pot, you can simply fold your hand. This is the best option if you have a weak hand and don’t want to risk losing your entire bankroll. Another good poker strategy is to watch experienced players to learn how they play the game and what tricks they use. The more you practice and watch, the better your instincts will become.