Poker is a game of chance, but it also requires a certain amount of skill. You have to know how to read other players, watch for tells (not just the obvious ones like fiddling with their chips or wearing a ring), and learn when you should fold. It takes time to become a good poker player, but you’ll see a payoff in the long run.

To start a hand, one player puts in a small amount of money, called the ante, which determines where the action should begin. The player to the left of the button then has a choice: either call the bet or fold. If the player calls the bet, he must put in more money to continue betting.

During the course of each Poker hand, players place bets and raise them if they have a good hand. Then the dealer deals the cards, called the flop. If someone has a good hand, they can raise the bet again to try to win the pot. If no one raises, the next player to act may call or raise.

To be a successful poker player, you need to be able to play tight and aggressive. Tight means only playing strong hands, and aggressive means raising the pot whenever possible. This will not only build the pot, but it will also chase off players who are waiting for a draw that could beat you. Having the right attitude is crucial, too. You’ll lose some hands and you’ll get bad beats, but you should learn from your mistakes and never let them crush your confidence. Look at how Phil Ivey reacts when he gets a bad beat; that’s the kind of mental toughness that makes a great poker player.