Poker is a game of chance, but it has quite a bit of skill involved. The element of risk is what makes it more lifelike than most other games, and the fact that luck can bolster or tank even the best player’s results is why so many people enjoy playing the game.

To play poker, players form a hand based on the rules of the game and then bet against other players. The goal is to win the pot at the end of the betting phase. The pot is the total of all bets placed by each player.

One way to improve your poker skills is to study other players’ behaviors and read their tells. These are not just physical signs, such as fiddling with their chips or adjusting the size of their rings, but also the way players make their decisions. Watch how they call bets, raise them, and the frequency with which they bluff.

You should always have a reason for making your calls, raises, and bluffs. If you aren’t sure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of the hands you’ve played and how well you did. This can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and make necessary changes to improve your game. Ultimately, you’ll be able to become a force at your poker table and experience the thrill of beating your opponents.