Poker is a card game where players make decisions during the course of a round by raising, calling or folding their cards. The goal of the game is to have the best hand at the end of the round by matching your opponents bets. When you have a strong hand, you should bet aggressively to inflate the pot value and put weaker hands into play.

In poker, you have to be able to read your opponent’s body language. This skill is important because it allows you to determine whether or not they are bluffing. You can also read their tells, which are non-verbal cues that reveal their emotions. For example, if a player fiddles with their chips or looks at the floor while they are talking, it’s probably because they have a good hand.

When you’re in a weak hand, it is often better to check than call. This will allow you to see the flop without risking too much. However, if you are confident that your hand is stronger than the others, then it’s a good idea to raise instead. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and improve your chances of winning the hand.

You must be able to control your emotions in poker. If you let your anger or frustration get out of control, it will have a negative impact on your decision-making skills. Taking frequent breaks throughout a session will help you keep your emotions in check and improve your game.