Poker is a card game in which players compete for the pot, or total of bets placed by all players during a hand. Each player has a choice to call, raise, or fold. Players may also bluff, or bet that they have the best possible poker hand. While the outcome of a single hand involves significant chance, the long-run expectations of players are determined by their decisions, which are guided by probability, psychology, and game theory.

A good poker strategy starts with playing in position, or being first to act. This allows you to see the actions of your opponents before you have to make your decision, and makes it easier to determine how strong your hand is.

Another key is to be aggressive when you have a strong hand, but only if it makes sense. Playing too much bluffing when you don’t have the cards to back it up will often cost you money. A good way to improve your poker strategy is to find a group of winning players at your level and start discussing hands weekly. This will help you understand different strategies and learn from the mistakes of others.

One of the most important things to remember is that poker is a long-term game. A bad night or a few losses in one session shouldn’t affect your bankroll too much. However, if you’re losing more than you’re winning in a cash game or tournament, then it’s time to make some changes.