Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games. It is played using a standard 52 – card deck and requires skill to play well. It has become even more popular since it has made its way to the internet and is accessible from all over the world. It can be difficult for beginner players to break even, but it’s often just a few simple adjustments that can make all the difference.

The goal of the game is to form a poker hand with the highest ranking cards. This will win you the pot, which is the total amount of all bets placed by all players in a betting round. You can claim the pot by having a high-ranking poker hand at the end of each betting round or by placing a bet that causes other players to fold their hands.

One of the most important things to learn as a beginner is how to read other players. While there are many books written on this topic, the basic skill involves watching the way players handle their cards and chips and paying attention to their body language and facial expressions. You will also want to learn about their mood shifts, eye movements, and how long it takes them to make a decision.

Another key aspect of the game is knowing how to play in position. This will allow you to get a better understanding of your opponents and give you more control of the hand. It will also allow you to bet more often with strong hands and increase the pot size against fish.