Poker is a card game played by two or more players. The object of the game is to win a pot, which is the sum of all bets placed in a particular deal. Each player must contribute to the pot at least as much as the player before him. Generally, a player cannot win the pot without having at least a pair of cards.

Poker involves a lot of thinking and analysis, which can require significant amounts of brain power. The more you play, the better you’ll become at assessing your opponents and making decisions that maximize your chances of winning. This is because the game helps to rewire your brain by strengthening and creating new neural pathways. These new paths are protected by myelin, a protective substance that is created when you process information consistently.

Another important skill in poker is the ability to read your opponent’s actions. This includes understanding their body language, analyzing their betting patterns and learning their tells. For example, if a player is always raising their bets, they may be holding a good hand.

The mental and physical energy required to play poker can leave you feeling tired at the end of a session. This is normal, but it’s also a good sign that you’ve worked hard and learned something from your experience. Moreover, consistent poker practice has been shown to delay the onset of degenerative neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. Therefore, if you’re looking for an activity that will keep your mind sharp and help you make sound financial decisions in the future, then poker might be the perfect game for you.