Poker is a card game in which individuals compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by the players themselves (called the pot). A player’s skill in predicting what other players may hold helps them win this pot. This is called “reading” opponents.

Poker strategies are constantly evolving, and good players will tweak their strategy based on experience. Often, they will discuss their strategies with other players for an objective look at their strengths and weaknesses.

Aside from reading other players, poker strategies revolve around being in the best physical condition to play, managing bankrolls, networking with other players, studying bet sizes and position, and developing a mental game that can outweigh luck in the long run. The key to long term success is consistent improvement.

Poker is also a game of storytelling, in which every action – whether it’s calling or checking a bet – gives away bits of information to your opponent that they can use to build a story about you. For example, if you check with a strong hand but take a while to do so, this is often a sign of weakness because you’re contemplating whether or not you should fold. Similarly, when you call or raise a bet, your opponent will try to piece together the story about you and their own hands. If they believe you have a strong hand, they will probably call. If they believe you have a weak one, they will probably fold.