Poker is a card game where players bet chips and either win or lose. It is a game of chance and has many variations but the basics stay the same in all games. Players put in a blind or ante before they are dealt cards. They can then say “call” to match the bet of the player before them. They can also raise their bet, which puts more chips into the pot. If they don’t want to call, they can fold and forfeit their hand.

Bluffing is an important part of the game but you need to know when to bluff and when to fold. You don’t want to call a bet with a weak hand because you’ll waste your money. But if you’re holding a good hand and think there is a high chance of winning, bluffing can force other players to call a bet or flee, which will make you the winner.

Advanced poker players pay attention to the players at the table and try to read them. This isn’t a matter of subtle physical tells, but of understanding an opponent’s range (how often they play certain types of hands). For example, if a player checks often it means that they are playing some pretty crappy cards. This can be countered by raising with a strong hand to force them out. Likewise, if a player calls frequently it can be a sign that they have a weak hand and will fold to you.