Poker is a card game in which players compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by all the players (called the pot). The player with the best poker hand wins the pot. There is usually one round of betting after which the cards are revealed, and the winner is determined. If no one has a good hand, the pot is shared among players who did not fold.
A successful poker strategy requires the development of several different skills. The most important skill is the ability to read your opponents. This skill is broader than body language, and it involves reading subtle clues, such as how they handle their chips and cards. It is also necessary to recognize mood shifts and other tells.
Another essential skill is understanding the odds of your hand. This is a ratio of how much money is in the pot compared to what it costs to keep calling bets. If the pot odds are greater than 11-to-1, then it is correct to call a bet even if you do not have a good hand.
It is also critical to understand bankroll management. Always play within your bankroll, and never risk more than you can afford to lose. You should also be willing to bow out when you know that your hand is beaten. Watch videos of Phil Ivey, and notice how he never shows any emotions after losing a hand. This mental toughness is necessary for long-term success in poker.