Poker is a game of chance when nothing is at risk, but when betting comes into play it becomes much more of a game of skill and psychology. This article will give you a basic introduction into the rules of poker and how betting works, but for more information it is recommended that you get a book on the subject (or join a group of people who know how to play).
The goal in poker is to make a winning hand. You achieve this by placing chips in the pot that represent money according to the specific rules of the poker variant being played. Each player must place enough chips in the pot to match or exceed the contribution made by the player before him, known as his “button.” Depending on the poker variant being played, there may be one or more betting intervals.
One of the keys to becoming a better poker player is learning how to read other players. This can be done through subtle physical poker tells, but more often than not it is learned through pattern recognition. For example if an opponent tends to call bets with weak hands then you can assume that they aren’t playing strong cards.
It is also important to learn how to manage your bankroll and only play in games that you can afford to lose. This is particularly important in tournaments where the field can be comprised of players who are significantly better than you.