Poker is a card game that combines chance and psychology to form an interesting, fast-paced game with many different strategies. The objective is to win money by capturing the pot, which contains all bets made by players during the hand. Players can also bluff and give the impression that they hold a strong hand in order to encourage opponents to fold (abandon) their hands.

Poker teaches individuals how to make quick, informed decisions while under pressure. This skill is valuable in a variety of situations, including business and investing. It also teaches individuals how to handle failure and develop a healthy mindset that pushes them to improve.

To begin a hand, each player must ante something (the amount varies by game, but is typically at least $1). Then, players place bets in the middle of the table called the pot. Players can either raise the bet by adding more chips or cash to the pot, call to match the previous bet, or fold. The highest-ranked hand wins the pot.

Another important aspect of poker is reading the other players at your table. This involves observing their body language for tells that indicate whether they are bluffing or have a good hand. It also involves understanding how to read the table and determining how to best maneuver your cards. Experienced players often have instincts that guide their decision-making and behavior at the table. Observing them can help novices build their own skills by learning from their mistakes and successes.