Poker is a game that involves a lot of risk, and it’s important to know how to manage your money. You should never bet more than you can afford to lose, and you should always keep records of your gambling income in order to avoid legal trouble. In addition to learning how to manage your money, playing poker can also help you develop a variety of other skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and learning how to celebrate wins and accept losses.

When it’s your turn to act, you can choose to either call or raise the latest bet. If you raise, your opponents must match your bet or fold their cards. You can also say “check” to pass on your turn to act, and players who do this must still raise or fold when their turn comes up again.

You can learn a lot about your opponents by studying their tells. Some classic tells include shallow breathing, sighing, and nostril flaring. You can also tell if someone is bluffing by noticing their eyes watering, blinking excessively, or shaking their head.

Keeping your own betting style consistent can also make it difficult for other players to read your intentions. For example, if you usually check when in position, aggressive players may try to take advantage of you and bet, putting you in a tough spot with a weak hand. Mixing up your betting style can psyche out other players and improve your chances of winning.