Poker is a game that requires skill, the ability to read your opponents and the willingness to make big bluffs. It’s also a game that can make even the most experienced players look silly. But don’t let a few bad hands get you down – just keep working on your game and you’ll eventually make some money.

A basic game of poker involves a single round of betting in which all players reveal their cards and compare them with the best possible hand according to the rules of the specific game. The player with the best hand wins the pot.

When it comes to reading your opponents, a good place to start is by watching their betting patterns. While a lot of players try to hide their true betting intentions with subtle physical tells, the most important thing is how often they raise or call.

Once a player is in position to act, they say “call” or “I call” to indicate their desire to bet the same amount as the last person. This will put the player’s chips or cash into the pot.

When playing against sticky players, it’s important to tighten up your pre-flop range and expand your post-flop range if you have the opportunity. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and increase your chances of flopping a strong hand that connects with the board.