Poker is a card game where players bet each other, either with chips or cash. When it’s your turn to act, you must either raise or call. You can also fold, which means discarding your cards and not participating further in the hand. If you raise, your bet must match the previous player’s bet amount.

To play poker, you must be comfortable taking risks. You can build up your comfort level by playing low stakes games first, and gradually move up the stakes. This way, you can learn the game without risking your whole bankroll.

One of the most important skills in poker is learning how to manage your money. This means only betting with hands that have a good chance of winning, and only in games you can afford. It’s also a good idea to play in tournaments that are within your skill level.

Another important skill in poker is learning to read other players’ tells. This can be anything from the way they fiddle with their chips to the tone of their voice. Having a good understanding of these tells will help you win more often, and it’s a crucial part of becoming a better poker player.