Poker is a card game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. In addition, you can learn how to play different variations of the game.

A basic rule is to always play the best hand you can. If you have a strong starting hand, like a pair of Aces or Kings, bet aggressively to win the pot. If you are in a weak position, fold early to avoid wasting your chips.

Keeping track of your opponents’ actions is an important part of poker strategy. Ideally, you should have some idea of which cards your opponent has based on their bets. If your opponent continues to increase their bets, it might be time to consider folding.

When the betting round is over, you can draw replacement cards if you need them. These cards are called “kickers” and may make or break your poker hand.

If the person to your right has raised, say “call” to match their bet. You can also raise your own bet, known as raising.

The most common tells in poker include eye contact, facial expressions, and body language. These clues reveal information about a player’s hand and are used by other players to make decisions about how much to bet. In addition, some tells are involuntary and can be unintentional. For example, some people unconsciously sway their bets by fidgeting or using certain gestures. Learn how to spot these signs and avoid them in your own game.