Poker is a game of skill, and a great way to improve your mental and physical health. The game requires a lot of brain power to think critically and logically. It also requires you to be able to control your emotions, especially in a pressure-filled environment like the poker table.
In addition, you need to be able to read your opponents and pick up on their tells. This can be as simple as noticing if someone fiddles with their chips, or it could be something more subtle, such as the way an opponent plays. You can use this information to determine what they have in their hand and make the best decision possible.
Lastly, you need to be able to read the board and know what hands beat which. This will help you decide when to fold and when to call. For example, a straight beats a flush and three of a kind beats two pair.
If you want to play well, you will need to practice and develop your skills over time. This will include improving your physical abilities to handle long poker sessions, learning how to manage your bankroll and studying bet sizes. You will also need to work on your social skills by interacting with other players, either in person or online.