Poker is a card game played by two or more players. The objective of the game is to form a winning hand from the cards in your hand and the community cards on the table. At the end of each betting round the player with the highest ranking hand wins the pot. Depending on the rules of your particular game the pot may be small or large.
The first step to becoming a good poker player is understanding how the game works. This involves learning the rules of the game and familiarizing yourself with charts showing what hands beat what (ie. a flush beats a straight, three of a kind beats two pairs etc). This knowledge is essential because it allows you to bet more confidently and make better decisions.
Once you understand the basics of the game, it is time to learn how to read other players. This is one of the most important aspects of the game because it allows you to deceive your opponents. Ideally, you want to be able to read other players without them knowing what you are doing. This is usually achieved by avoiding tells like scratching your nose or playing nervously with your chips.
Eventually, you will become proficient at reading other players and be able to make the best decisions in any situation. Ultimately, this will allow you to win the most pots and build your bankroll. However, it is also vital to remember that poker is a game of chance and luck often plays a large role in the outcome of a hand.