Poker is a card game where players make bets on the outcome of a hand by raising, calling, or folding. The person with the best hand wins the pot. There are several rules that must be followed when playing poker. These include: one player per hand, no bluffing, and betting in turn. The dealer must also distribute the chips that have been bet into the main and side pots after a player goes all in.

Poker can help improve your decision-making skills because it requires you to weigh risks and rewards. It can also teach you how to calculate odds based on the cards in your hand and the cards on the table. This can be a useful skill in other areas of your life, such as business and investing.

Another important aspect of poker is learning how to read your opponents’ body language. This can be helpful in any situation, from selling a product to someone to leading a group of people. Poker can also help you develop a healthier relationship with failure by helping you analyze what went wrong and find solutions.

When it comes to bluffing, timing is crucial. You should only bluff when you are in position and know that your opponent’s calling range is weak. If you’re out of position, it’s often better to check instead of bluff. This will keep your opponents guessing about whether or not you’re bluffing and allow you to create a larger pot.