Poker is a card game played by two or more players. The object is to form a winning hand based on the rankings of the cards. The player who makes the highest-ranking hand wins the pot, which is the aggregate of all bets made during a single deal. It is possible to win the pot without making a high-ranking hand, by betting a large amount that causes other players to fold.

If you have a strong hand, bet it! This will force weaker hands out of the pot and make your own hand more valuable. If you have a bad hand, try to bluff. With a good bluffing strategy, even a bad hand can win the game.

Keeping track of your opponents’ bets, calls, and raises is important. This way, you’ll know when to call and when to fold. You can also use this information to improve your own betting patterns. It’s also important to avoid tilt, which is closely related to proper bankroll management.

Observe experienced players and imagine how you would react in their position to develop your instincts. This will help you learn quickly and improve your game. Also, studying charts can be helpful to determine what hands beat what. For example, a flush beats a straight, and three of a kind beats two pair. This will help you win more often and build your bankroll.