Poker is a card game played between two or more players and consists of betting rounds. The goal is to form a high-ranking hand by the end of the betting round, with a player winning the pot if they have a higher ranking hand than all other players. The game’s rules and strategy are based on mathematical principles, probability theory, psychology, and game theory. Players may place a variety of bets during the game depending on their expected value and the information they possess about other players’ intentions. A bet is considered to have positive expected value when it is placed on the assumption that other players will fold if they call it.

While poker is a game of chance and the outcome of any given hand depends on luck, good players will always seek to make correct decisions based on expected value. To do this, they must have discipline and sharp focus in order to avoid making irrational bets. In addition, they must be able to find and participate in the most profitable games and limits.

A good poker player is also willing to take time to learn from others, both through reading books and observing other players. They should be able to read their opponents’ tells, which include eye movements, idiosyncrasies, hand gestures and betting behavior. For example, a player who calls often and then makes a large raise with a marginal hand may be holding an unbeatable hand.