Poker is a card game in which players wager chips on the outcome of a hand. It is usually played in a group or at a table. Each player is dealt a number of cards and must decide whether to call, raise or fold the hand. The winner of a hand takes the pot, which is the total amount of all players’ bets in the round.

If you want to become a good poker player, you need to work on your position and learn how to read other players. This includes studying their tells, which are unconscious habits that reveal information about a player’s hand. A tell may look like fiddling with a chip or a ring, but it can also be as subtle as a player’s posture.

As a beginner, you’ll need to build your comfort level with risk-taking. Inevitably, some of your risks will fail, but you can use them as learning experiences. For example, you might make a big bet with a pair of Aces but lose to another player holding a pair of 9s on the river.

One of the best ways to build your comfort with risk-taking is to play low-stakes games and micro-tournaments. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the game and develop your skills before moving up. You can also study experienced players and observe how they react to different situations to improve your own strategy. However, don’t try to copy a specific strategy, as you should focus on developing your own instincts and playing style.