Poker is a card game played between two or more players and involves betting. It is one of the most popular card games in the world and there are many different variations. The objective is to win the pot, which is the total of all bets placed during a hand. This can be achieved by having the highest-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that nobody else calls.

One of the most important skills in poker is being able to read other players and understand their tells. This includes understanding the idiosyncrasies of their behavior, including eye movements, body language and betting behavior. For example, a player who frequently raises a bet may be holding a strong hand and is trying to scare everyone else out of the pot.

Another key skill is knowing which hands to play and when. Generally speaking, it is best to play only the highest-ranking hands. There are exceptions to this rule, however. For example, a pair of suited high cards can be a good poker hand if there are no other opponents with better hands.

A major mistake that novices often make is playing too conservatively. This can be detrimental to their chances of winning. By playing too safe, they risk missing out on opportunities to bet and bluff aggressively. In life, as well as in poker, it is necessary to weigh risks against potential rewards to maximise profit. So, for instance, if you have a weak starting hand, don’t be afraid to fold!