Poker is a card game in which players bet, using chips representing money (or cash equivalents), against one another. A player with the best hand wins the pot. The game can be played with a standard 52-card deck, although some variant games use multiple cards or add wild cards.

While poker relies heavily on chance, most of the decisions made by players are based on probability theory, psychology and game theory. In addition, it is a game that can be learned by reading and practicing.

The first step in the process of learning poker is to decide what type of game you want to play. Then you should find a good book on the subject and read it at least twice a week. Once you have the book down, you can practice in the book and then move on to more advanced books.

When you’re playing poker, it’s important to be able to read your opponents. You should be able to tell if a player is conservative or aggressive. Conservative players tend to fold early, while aggressive players will stay in a hand for a long time.

When it’s your turn to bet, you must say “call” or “I call.” This means you want to place the same amount in the pot as the person before you. You can also raise the amount of your bet if you wish. This will help you increase your chances of getting a good hand.