Poker is a card game in which players place chips (representing money) into the pot in accordance with the rules of the particular poker variant being played. After a player has placed his chips into the pot, he has the option to call, raise or fold depending on his hand and the actions of other players at the table.
Poker requires a lot of concentration to play well. Being distracted by other factors can lead to mistakes that would not have been made otherwise. Being able to focus allows players to observe tells and other changes in the game, and use this information to adjust their strategy on the fly. This ability to pay attention to details is a useful skill for life in general.
The best poker players are able to read other players at the table, and make quick decisions based on this information. They often take notes and analyze their results to improve their strategies over time. They also have a good understanding of probability, which helps them make decisions at the tables.
While luck plays a significant role in any poker hand, the best players are able to win more hands than they lose, and thus make a profit over the long run. A key to improving your poker game is learning how to handle losing, and seeing it as an opportunity to learn and evolve. This will help you become a much more successful player, and ultimately be able to turn your poker hobby into a profitable career.