Poker is a card game that can be played between two or more players and involves betting. It can be played in a variety of settings, including casinos, home games and tournaments. It is a fun and social activity that can help people relieve stress, and the competitive environment can also provide an adrenaline rush.

While some people think that poker is all about luck, there are many strategies that can be employed to increase a player’s chances of winning. These strategies include reading opponents, bluffing and folding when you have a bad hand. The more a player practices these strategies, the better they will become.

Another important skill in poker is patience. While it can be easy to get emotional or act rashly when playing poker, practicing on a regular basis can help you develop greater discipline and patience. This can benefit you in other aspects of your life, such as work and personal relationships.

When it is your turn to bet during a hand, you can say “call” to match the bet made by the person before you. You can also raise your bet by saying “raise.” If you raise, the other players must either call or fold their hands. If they call, they must place the same amount of money into the pot as the person before them. If they fold, they must return their cards to the dealer face-down. This keeps the other players from knowing what you have in your hand.