Poker is a game of chance, but it also relies on skill. Players must learn to read the other players and be able to make adjustments based on those observations. They must also know how to read tells, which are small clues about the player’s emotions and intentions. For example, if someone fiddles with their chips or wears a ring, they may be feeling nervous about their hand.

One of the most important lessons that poker can teach you is how to make good decisions under pressure. This is because the game can be incredibly addicting and requires a lot of mental endurance. In addition, playing the game regularly can help you develop discipline and focus.

Each round of betting in poker starts when a player places a bet. The other players can choose to “call” the bet by putting in the same amount of chips as the player who made the bet, or they can raise the stakes. If a player doesn’t want to call a bet or can’t match the raise, they must fold their hand.

In addition, learning the math behind poker is essential to improving your game. This book explains concepts like balance, frequencies, and ranges in a way that is easy to understand. However, it’s a complex read, so I recommend reading it AFTER you take The One Percent course mentioned earlier. This will give you a deeper understanding of the material and make it easier to apply at the table.