Poker is a game of strategy, but it also relies on luck. It is important to know the basic rules and hand rankings to make good decisions, but it’s equally important to consider the players around you and how they might play.

Some players are better at bluffing than others, but even a weak hand can win a pot with the right bluff. It’s important to be able to read the table and understand your opponents’ tendencies. Ultimately, to be successful in poker you need to be comfortable taking risks—even if the risk fails, you will learn a valuable lesson and improve your overall skill level.

Keeping your hand secret is also important. Whenever possible, keep your cards face down or at least close to your chest (the origin of the phrase “playing it close to your vest”). Expert players know how to hide tells, unconscious physical clues that give away their strength of hand. These include facial or body tics, staring too long at a card, or nervous habits like biting finger nails.

The higher the value of your hand, the more money you will win if you win the pot. To maximize your chances of winning, try to have a strong pre-flop hand and a strong post-flop hand. When you have a strong pre-flop hand, bet to force other players to fold or call your bet. A strong post-flop hand includes a high card, a straight, or a flush.