Poker is a game of cards where players bet in turns by raising or calling. The highest hand wins the pot. Players may also choose to check (stay in the game without betting) or fold. Depending on the rules, one or more players must place an initial amount into the pot before dealing cards, known as forced bets. These come in the form of antes, blinds, and bring-ins.

Poker strategy involves developing quick instincts and observing your opponents for tells and other subtle cues. It’s essential to study the game of poker and develop a strategy based on your own experience, taking note of your results and assessing how you could improve. Many players also discuss their play with others for a more objective look at their approach and to fine-tune it even further.

In Pot Limit Poker, a player cannot raise more than the size of the current pot. However, he or she can make a bet equal to the size of the previous bet. In addition, players can choose to “call” (stay in the pot without betting) or raise less than the previous player. This is called a “pot-size call.” It’s important to be able to read your opponents by looking for tells, such as eye movements, idiosyncratic gestures, and betting behavior. For example, if a player is normally conservative but suddenly raises, it’s probably because they’re holding an exceptionally strong hand. The same goes for a player who is bluffing.