Poker is a card game that can be played by anyone who wants to learn the rules. It is a mental game and requires discipline to play well. The best poker players are not impulsive and they do their calculations before acting. They also are courteous to other players and keep their emotions in check, because if they get frustrated or angry they will make poor decisions that can lead to huge losses.

Each player starts with a certain number of chips. Then, during each betting interval (called a “round”) one player puts some of their chips into the pot. Then the players to his left must either call that amount of chips, raise it by raising their own bet or fold.

A good poker player knows how to read his opponents, and he uses this skill to his advantage. While many people have a general ability to read other people, poker players have more specific tells they can use to gauge their opponents’ feelings and motives. They track things like mood changes, body language and the way other players move their chips and cards when making decisions.

In addition to reading other players, good poker players set a bankroll for their games and stick to it. They also develop a strategy and tweak it over time to improve their game. They also take the time to review their results and analyze their mistakes. Lastly, good poker players stay disciplined by playing only when they are mentally up for it. If they start feeling frustration or fatigue, they know to walk away from the table and come back tomorrow.