Poker is a card game that involves betting chips and the chance to win money. There are dozens of variations of the game, but the basic mechanics are the same: players place bets and either raise or fold their hands. It can be played by two or more players, and the object is to win a pot. The game is fast-paced and a player can win large amounts of money by betting on good hands or by using bluffing strategies.

Typically, players must put in an initial amount of money, which may be called a blind or an ante, to play. After that, the cards are dealt and players bet in turn, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. The highest hand wins the pot. Players can also check, meaning that they don’t bet and wait to see if their opponents are raising their bets.

One of the most important things to learn in poker is how to read your opponent’s tells. This can be done by watching their body language, how they bet and what they’re doing with their chips. An advanced player will consider their opponents’ range of hands when making decisions, rather than just focusing on a single hand.

While Maria Konnikova isn’t trying to argue that you should learn how to play poker in order to make better life decisions, she believes it could be a useful tool for building your comfort level with risk-taking. Whether you’re thinking about breakfast choices or career options, taking small risks early on can help you get more comfortable with uncertainty over time.