Poker is a card game in which players place bets using chips that have different values. A player with a high-ranking hand wins the pot, or the total of all bets. Players may also bluff, or bet that they have a strong hand when they do not. While luck plays a significant role in the outcome of any particular hand, skill outweighs it over time.

One of the most important skills in poker is being able to read other players and pick up on their body language, especially nonverbal cues. This skill is known as “reading tells.” For example, if someone fiddles with their chips or stares off into the distance, they might be nervous. This can make them more likely to make mistakes at the table.

Another important skill is knowing when to fold a weak hand. This is a key aspect of playing smart poker and is something that beginners often struggle with. If you have a weak hand, it is often better to fold than to risk losing a large amount of money by betting into the pot.

Finally, it is crucial to be able to read your opponents and know how much to raise in a given situation. This is a complex process that involves analyzing previous action, the number of players left in a hand, stack depth and pot odds. Mastering this skill takes time and requires a lot of practice. However, it can greatly improve your winning chances at the tables.