In poker, players place chips (representing money) in a pot when it’s their turn to act. When you say “call” or “I call,” you’re placing the same amount as the last player – typically $10 in chips or cash. You’re also able to raise a bet in order to increase the size of the pot.

Being in position, meaning your opponents have acted before you, is essential to a winning poker strategy. This is because you have the advantage of seeing their betting patterns and can make more informed decisions.

It’s important to learn how to read your opponents and understand their behavior. This involves watching their mood shifts, body language, and the way they handle their cards and chips.

You can also improve your game by learning how to bluff better. Sometimes, good bluffing skills and some luck can win a hand even when you don’t have the strongest of hands.

It’s also a good idea to focus on playing against weaker players. This is because you want to maximize your chances of making a profit. In general, you want to be better than half of the players at your table if you’re looking for a positive win-rate.