Poker is a game of cards that involves betting and raising. It is often considered a card game of chance, but skill plays a big role too. It is important to understand how to read your opponents and make changes in strategy based on what you learn.

During the betting intervals, you can gather information about your opponent’s holding by observing how they react to your raises. They may call, check or fold, which tells you how strong their hand is.

You should also know the rules of poker etiquette, such as respect for fellow players and dealers. Having these skills can help you stay focused on the game and avoid distractions or arguments at the table.

One of the most common mistakes players make is playing too safe. This style of play is easily exploited by opponents and limits your chances of getting paid off on your strong hands or winning bluffs. Instead, you should mix up your style of play to keep your opponents guessing about what you have.

When the final betting round is complete, players reveal their hands in turn. The player who has the highest hand wins the pot. Depending on the game variant, you might be required to place an initial amount into the pot before the cards are dealt, which is called an ante or blind. This money is typically placed by the two players to the left of the dealer. The rest of the players are required to place their bets into the pot according to the rules of the game.