Poker is a card game in which players try to put together the best possible hand of cards. It’s traditionally played for cash, although it can be played with any number of chips. Its rules are based on probability, psychology and game theory. It’s also a great way to sharpen your mental skills and keep your brain active. Research shows that playing poker strengthens cognitive abilities. Whether you’re calculating probabilities or trying to read your opponents, this type of analytical thinking helps develop quick math skills and build myelin, a fiber that protects neural pathways in the brain.

It also teaches you to manage your emotions under pressure. The fact that your opponents are watching you like sharks for any signs of weakness that they can exploit, forces you to remain calm and in control. This is a great skill to transfer into real-life situations, from presenting to clients to leading a team.

You learn to read your opponents’ body language, particularly their facial expressions and gestures. This can give you a huge advantage at the table and helps you develop your strategy on the fly. You’re also able to identify “tells” and understand how your opponents are likely to behave in different situations.

When you’re dealt a good hand, you can bet aggressively to get the most out of it. However, it’s important to balance your risk and potential returns when deciding to call or raise. This principle will help you avoid making bad calls over the long run and make more money than you would if you simply called every draw.