Poker is a game of cards that is played between two or more people. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets placed during a hand. This can be done by making the highest-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no other player calls. There are a variety of different forms of poker, but they all generally have the same basic rules.

To be successful in poker, you need to have a number of skills, including patience, reading other players, and adaptability. In addition, you need to have a good understanding of probability and game theory. It is also important to have strong emotional control, as poker can be very frustrating when you are losing.

A common mistake that beginners make is trying to win big by raising with marginal hands, which only leads to huge losses over the long run. A better strategy is to play tight and take small pots. This will allow you to bluff more often and make larger pots when you do have a strong hand. It is also important to learn how to read other players’ tells, such as their eye movements, idiosyncrasies, and betting behavior.