Poker is a card game in which players wager chips (representing money) against one another. The action of each hand inherently involves chance, but the long-run expectations of each player are determined by actions they choose on the basis of probability, psychology, and game theory. Players can win a hand by making bets that have positive expected value or by bluffing other players.

When it’s your turn to act, say “call” if you want to make a bet equal to the last bet or raise. This means that you will place chips or cash into the pot.

Pay attention to your opponents and their betting patterns. This is a critical aspect of a basic winning poker strategy. Watching your opponents’ betting behavior can help you categorize them and understand their strategies better.

If you notice a player always calling with weak hands, try to avoid them unless you have a strong hold. This type of player is often called a fish and can eat your bankroll if you let your ego get in the way of reading their tells (eye movements, idiosyncrasies, betting behavior etc.).

A good poker player is able to stay focused and disciplined in the face of temptation, which is a common problem for even advanced players. If you find yourself losing your focus and making bad decisions, take a break from the table and come back later. Also, if you notice that the table you’re at isn’t going well, talk to the floor staff and ask for a different game.