Poker is a card game where players form the highest-ranking hand in order to win the pot at the end of each betting round. In addition to playing the cards themselves, a key component of the game is understanding how to read other players’ body language and watching for tells.

To begin learning poker, you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game. Once you have the basics down, it’s a good idea to start working on your preflop strategy. This will help you develop a stronger position and make better decisions.

During each betting round, you can either fold your hand or raise your bet. Choosing to raise means adding more money to the pot. If your hand is strong, raising it will make it difficult for opponents to call your bluffs.

Another important aspect of poker is knowing when to bluff and when to call. Bluffing should be used sparingly, as it is easy for other players to pick up on your weakness and call your bluffs. Instead, try using your bluffs to put your opponent on edge and force them to fold when they have weak hands.

The best players are well-balanced, using a combination of sound strategy and well-timed tactics. This is what sets them apart from other players who rely on reactive moves to beat the game. In addition, a balanced approach is what makes it possible to keep winning at poker over time.