Poker is a card game in which players bet against each other and place their chips (representing money) into a central pot. The game can be played in many different ways, but the objective is always the same: to execute the most profitable actions based on available information, with the goal of maximizing the long-term expectation of winning.

Poker requires a high level of concentration and focus. It teaches you how to observe your opponents, identify strategies and calculate probabilities. It also improves your ability to manage emotions and make decisions based on information, rather than feelings.

One of the most important things that poker teaches you is how to read people. This is a valuable skill to have in any situation, whether you are trying to sell something, giving a presentation or leading a group. You need to be able to read the body language of your opponents and understand what they are thinking. Poker teaches you how to do this, and also how to throw off your own tells.

Aggression is vital to basic poker strategy, but it is important to only be aggressive when it makes sense. If you are not careful, you can bet too much and lose more money than you would have otherwise. Experienced poker players know how to control their aggression and only bet when they have a strong value hand. This is more profitable than chasing losses and can help you build a larger bankroll.