Poker is a card game with betting that requires a combination of luck, psychology and skill to win. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends and family while earning an extra income.

The first thing to remember when playing poker is that the position you’re in at the table is extremely important. When your turn comes, you can say “call” to match the previous player’s bet (or raise it), or you can fold. If you call, you’ll have the opportunity to see another card, called the flop, that could improve your hand. You can also use this opportunity to check what your opponents have.

After the flop, there’s a second round of betting. During this round, you’ll be able to replace your cards with new ones if the rules allow it. In this situation, it’s smart to play your strong value hands aggressively and avoid chasing silly draws that you’ll never hit.

Top players know that the best way to make money in poker is to build the pot with big bets when you have a strong hand. This is a great way to attract more attention, and can help you chase off other players who are waiting for a good draw to beat your hand. To do this, you must develop a feel for the game and learn how to read your opponents’ expressions. The more you play and observe experienced players, the better your instincts will become.