Poker is a betting card game that requires an ability to read opponents and the willingness to make big bluffs. It also requires a solid grasp of basic probability and game theory, as well as emotional control. In addition, players must keep records of their winnings and pay taxes on them.

The game starts with each player making forced bets, usually an ante and a blind bet. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to the players one at a time, beginning with the player to their left. After the deal, a number of betting rounds occur. At the end of the last betting round, all remaining players reveal their hands and the player with the best hand takes the pot.

During the course of the hand, the player must decide whether to call or raise each bet. A raise indicates that you want to place a bet equal to the amount raised by the person to your right. You may also choose to fold your hand if you don’t have a good one.

A good poker player must be able to identify players’ tells, which are telltale body language cues that indicate their confidence in their own cards or lack thereof. A player’s tells can be difficult to read, but a few classic signs include shallow breathing, sighing, flaring nostrils, blinking excessively, watery eyes, or an increasing pulse seen in the neck or temple. Other clues include a hand over the mouth to conceal a smile, eye contact that lasts longer than normal, and a shake of the head or shoulder.