Poker is a card game where the goal is to form the best possible five-card hand based on the cards you have, and then win the pot at the end of each betting round. The pot is the sum total of all bets placed by players at the table.
A high-quality poker story requires good understanding of the rules, and a keen sense of timing. You must be able to describe the actions of players in a way that makes it clear what each player is doing, and how it impacts the other players. This is an art, and it takes practice to write well about poker.
Another key skill is to be able to read other players, which means learning their tells (eye movements, idiosyncrasies, hand gestures and betting behavior). For example, if one player calls frequently, but suddenly raises when nobody else has raised, that may indicate they are holding something very strong.
Finally, good poker players must have discipline and the ability to focus on their own game. They must choose the proper limits and game variations for their bankroll, and find and participate in games that provide the most profitable opportunities. And they must take risks, but be able to manage those risks.
A basic winning poker strategy involves playing in position versus your opponents, meaning that they act before you have to act. This gives you key insights into their hand strength, and allows you to make better decisions.