Poker is a card game in which players place chips (representing money) into the pot when it’s their turn. This is done by saying “call” if you want to bet the same amount as the person before you, or “raise” if you want to increase your contribution to the pot.

A key aspect of winning poker is knowing when to fold. The best players never chase their losses or throw a fit over bad luck, but instead accept their mistakes as part of the learning process and move on. This kind of resilience is valuable in both poker and life in general.

Another important aspect of poker is knowing how to read your opponents’ betting patterns. By keeping track of the way that other people bet in a hand, you can learn a lot about their strength of their hands. This is known as reading tells and is an essential skill to master.

Poker also teaches you how to manage your bankroll. By setting a bankroll before you begin playing, and sticking to it throughout your session, you will be able to make more rational decisions and keep your emotions in check. This is a crucial aspect of success in any game, but especially poker.