Poker is a card game in which players wager money against each other. It is the most popular form of gambling in the United States and many other countries around the world, and its play and jargon are common in American culture. Players compete for the pot by betting on the strength of their hand, and may bluff to win by convincing other players that they have a strong hand even though they do not.
To make a bet, you must say “call” or “I call,” followed by the amount of money you wish to place in the pot. The person to your right must either call or fold, depending on the rules of the specific poker variant you are playing.
You can also say “raise” to increase the amount you are betting. This forces other players to call if they are already in the pot or else fold, and will make your opponent more likely to bluff.
A good poker player knows how to balance bluffing with folding. Strong bluffs can often win pots, but weak hands that are folded will lose to stronger ones. Using your knowledge of probability calculations to weight these decisions is crucial. To be successful, you must also know how to read tells — the unconscious habits of other players that reveal information about their hands. These can be as simple as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language. You can improve your poker skills by practicing and watching other players.
