Poker is a card game with a wide range of variants. The game can be played by 2 to 14 players, although the ideal number is 6. The aim of the game is to win a pot (the sum of all bets made in a single betting round). Players place forced bets into the pot before the cards are dealt, usually in the form of antes or blind bets. After the forced bets are placed, a series of betting streets takes place. Each player must decide whether to continue raising their bets based on the strength of their hands and the reads they have on their opponents.

The best way to increase your chances of winning is to play your strongest hand early on in a hand. However, be careful not to overplay your strong hand. This can lead to disaster. For example, it’s very easy to overplay a pair of Kings and then get beaten by someone who catches a third King on the river.

In order to be a successful poker player, it’s important to learn how to read your opponents. This includes watching their body language, betting patterns and their overall style of play. You should also pay attention to their tells, which can include anything from fiddling with their chips to adjusting their ring. By learning how to read your opponents, you can make better decisions at the table and avoid costly mistakes.