Poker is a card game in which players place mandatory bets before each hand. These bets, called blinds or bring-ins, create the pot that players compete for during each hand. The game is played around the world in private homes, clubs, and casinos. Poker has become the national card game of the United States and its play and jargon permeate American culture.

A basic rule of poker is to never fold a strong hand without good reason. However, it’s also okay to take a break while a hand is in progress and sit out the next one. This is especially important if you have to go to the restroom, refresh your drink, or answer a phone call. Just make sure you don’t miss more than a few hands or the game can become unfair for the other players.

Stronger hands should be played aggressively to build the pot and encourage others to bluff. However, it is equally important to recognize and overcome cognitive biases that can prevent you from making well-timed folds. Recognizing the optimal times to fold can protect your bankroll and improve your long-term profitability.

Say “call” to place a bet equal to the last player’s bet. For example, if the player to your right just raised his or her bet, you would say “call” or “I call” to match that raise. This is a common way to increase your chances of winning the hand. It is also okay to raise your own bet if you want to get in the pot for a larger amount of money.