Poker is a card game where the object is to win the pot (sum of all bets placed in any deal). Players place bets on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory. A good poker player can win a hand by having the best hand, or by making bluffs that force other players to fold.

Like any competitive skill game poker involves luck to some extent, but in the long run it is the skills of the best players that lead them to make money. The goal of a poker player is to find optimal frequencies and hand ranges for bluffing and calling, based on the structure and rules of the game.

A good poker player must also be able to read the other players at the table. They must learn the other players tells, which include things like body language, idiosyncrasies and betting patterns. They must also understand the different bluffing styles and be able to pick up on a player who is bluffing for value.

One of the main reasons that poker is considered a game of skill, and not pure chance, is that it requires a high level of concentration. A great poker player is always focused on the cards and their opponents, analyzing their behavior and looking for tells. This mental focus can be transferred to other areas of life and is especially useful in business where it helps with decision-making and problem solving.