Poker is a card game played by two or more players. Each player puts in an amount of money, called a bet, into the pot to compete for a high-ranking hand. The highest ranking hand wins the pot at the end of each betting round. The players must also place a small number of chips, representing money, into the pot before they can place their bets.

During a hand, you must say “raise” if you want to add more money to the pot. The other players can either call your raise or fold.

One of the most important poker skills is knowing when to fold. If you think your opponent has a strong hand, fold – don’t try to force a win with a weak hand. Even a good player can suffer from bad luck at times, and you’ll want to be in position to take advantage of any mistakes your opponents make later in the hand.

If you’re playing a game with experienced players, watch how they play and imagine how you would react in their positions. This will help you develop quick instincts and improve your strategy over time. Just remember to stay focused, because the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical. Watch videos on YouTube of Phil Ivey taking bad beats – it will give you the right mindset for this highly competitive game!