Poker is a card game played between two or more players and involves betting. The object is to win the pot, which consists of all the bets made by players during one deal. A player may either call (match the amount of money placed into the pot by a preceding player) or raise the bet. When a player raises, the other players must call the new amount or fold.

A good poker strategy requires several skills, including discipline and perseverance. It also requires wise game selection, such as choosing the proper limits and game variations for your bankroll. In addition, it is important to learn from experienced players and incorporate successful elements of their play into your own style.

One of the most important things that many new players overlook is the importance of raising. Instead of limping into a hand, it is often more profitable to raise and push out opponents with weaker holdings. In doing so, you can build the pot and even chase off those waiting for a strong draw that might not come.

Another important aspect of a good poker strategy is understanding ranges. While new players tend to focus on putting an opponent on a particular hand, more experienced players will work out the range of cards that their opponent could have. This allows them to make more informed decisions about whether or not to call a bet, and will help them avoid making costly mistakes.