Poker is a card game with varying number of players from 2 to 14. The object is to win the pot, which is the total sum of bets placed by all players during a single deal. This is accomplished either by having the highest ranked poker hand or by betting so much that all other players fold and you remain in the hand.

A good poker player is able to make smart decisions. This includes knowing the basic rules, understanding hand rankings and the impact of position at the table. It also means being able to read other players, including their tells (eye movements, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior).

The ability to make good calls is crucial to success in poker. This is particularly true for players who play in tournaments. A strong call is based on a combination of your own cards and the information you have about your opponent’s cards from their previous actions.

Another skill is the ability to handle a bad hand. A great poker player doesn’t throw a temper tantrum or chase losses; they simply accept them as part of the learning process and move on. This type of resilience is valuable in poker and other areas of life as well.

A good poker player has a strategy that they continually refine and improve on through detailed self-examination and analysis of their results. This is often done by taking notes or reviewing hand histories. Some players will even discuss their strategies with others for an objective and impartial look at their own play.