Poker is a card game in which players place bets (representing money) into a pot at the end of each betting round. The goal of each player is to form a high-ranking hand based on the cards they hold, which will ultimately win them the pot.

The game is played in a circle of players, each with a stack of chips. A player may choose to raise, call or fold during their turn. They can also pass if they don’t want to bet. Once the last player has raised, the dealer will push the chips into the pot. If there is a side pot, the dealer will divide the amount into the main pot and any side pots.

To be successful, a player must commit to learning how their opponents play, both in terms of physical tells and gameplay patterns. This can be a time-consuming process and requires a lot of patience, but it is a crucial skill for any poker player.

Risk management is another key skill, says Just. It’s important to understand when your odds of winning a hand are fading and that you need to stop pushing. It’s also important to find and participate in games that will maximize your bankroll. Just recommends taking small risks in lower-stakes games to build your confidence and comfort with risk. This will also help you avoid getting stuck in bad games that will quickly deplete your bankroll and derail any progress you’ve made.