Poker is a card game where players form the best possible hand based on their cards and then try to win the pot, which consists of all bets made during a betting round. Each player starts with a fixed amount of chips (usually ten whites), and during a betting interval each player can call, raise, or fold. The game is played in rounds, and the action moves clockwise from one player to the next.

In order to succeed in poker, you have to learn how to read your opponents. This means looking for physical tells as well as analyzing their actions. A player’s behavior can give away clues about the strength of their hand or even whether they are bluffing.

If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to stick with a simple strategy and build your experience slowly. Then you can experiment with concepts like semi-bluffing and 4-bets once you’re an experienced player.

One of the most important aspects of poker is knowing when to fold. This prevents you from losing money and preserves your bankroll for stronger hands. In addition, it’s important to avoid “limping,” which is when you call a bet without raising. This is often a sign of weakness and can be exploited by your opponents. Instead, raise when you have a strong hand and fold when you don’t. This will keep your winnings high and make you a more profitable player in the long run.