Poker is a card game in which players compete to form the highest ranking hand based on the rules of the game. The player with the highest ranking hand wins the pot at the end of the betting round.
There is a lot of skill involved in the game, especially when betting. The best players are able to read the other players at their table and understand how to use this information to maximize their chances of winning. They will make smart bets that encourage weaker hands to call and raise their own. They will also know when to fold, saving themselves a lot of money.
The first step is learning how to read other players and their tells. This includes not just the obvious things like fiddling with their chips, but also how they move in general. For example, someone who has been calling all night and suddenly makes a big raise is probably holding an unbeatable hand.
In the second step, you should work on your ranges. While newer players will try to put their opponent on a specific hand, more experienced players will work out the full range of cards that their opponent could have and then calculate how likely it is that their hand beats theirs.
The final step is developing a strategy that works for you. While there are plenty of books on poker strategies, you should try to come up with your own approach. A good way to do this is by taking notes and reviewing your results. You can also talk with other players and learn from their experiences.