The game of poker is more than just a card game, it’s a social and mental game that puts your decision-making abilities to the test. It also teaches valuable life lessons that can be applied to business and other areas of your life.

When playing poker, it’s important to understand the betting system. First, there is the ante – this is the small amount of money that every player must put up before seeing their cards. Players then have the option to “call” (put in a matching amount of chips) or “raise” the bet. If someone raises, the player to their left must either call or fold.

Another key part of poker is learning to read your opponents. This includes paying attention to “tells” – nervous habits like fiddling with chips or wearing a watch. It also includes analyzing their betting pattern and style to determine their hand strength. For example, an opponent who raises their bet frequently may be holding a strong hand.

As you play, it’s also important to set a bankroll and stick to it. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose and track your wins and losses if you’re serious about the game. This will help you learn from your mistakes and become a better poker player. It’s also a good idea to mix up your betting strategy at the table so you aren’t predictable. For instance, don’t always continuation-bet on the flop with a suited ace.