Poker is a card game that can be played by two or more players. The object of the game is to make the best five-card hand possible by combining your own cards with those in front of you. The best hand wins the pot.

To start the game, each player is dealt a single card. The highest-ranking card determines the button, and then the remaining cards are distributed to each player in a clockwise direction. After all of the players have received their cards, a betting round begins. Each player can fold, call, or raise. Once the last player calls, a showdown takes place where the hands are revealed and the winner claims the pot.

Oftentimes, players will play weak hands with the hopes that they will hit something big on the flop. While it is understandable to want to play as many hands as you can, you should always keep in mind that a hand that isn’t strong enough to win should be folded immediately. This is especially true if the hand is suited.

You should also be able to read other players and their tells. Although reading people in general is a very important skill to have, poker tells are much more specific than normal body language and facial expressions. You can learn a lot about an opponent by tracking their mood shifts, eye movements, and betting behavior. You should also be able to classify each of your opponents into one of the four basic player types (LAG’s, TAG’s, LP Fish, and super tight Nits). By studying their tendencies and exploiting them, you will be a better player.