Poker is a game of chance, but it also teaches people how to make good decisions when they don’t have all the facts. Entrepreneurs and athletes, for example, need to be able to decide without all the information available, and poker is an excellent way to train this skill.

The basics of the game are relatively simple. Players ante something (typically a nickel) to get dealt cards, then bet into a central pot if they think their hand has a positive expected value. The highest hand wins the pot. Players can raise, fold, or call depending on the strength of their hand. If they don’t want to call, they can bluff, which is an important part of the game.

More experienced players will try to figure out the range of hands that their opponent could have, and will try to work out how likely it is that they will be able to beat them. This is a good thing to do in general, as it will help you decide when to bet and when to fold.

The best way to learn how to play is to practice, and watch other players. This will teach you their tendencies and the best ways to read them. Many people have written books on specific poker strategies, but it’s better to develop your own style by taking notes and reviewing your results. You should also be open to adjusting your strategy as you gain experience.