The game of poker involves a great deal of strategy and probability. While there are a lot of factors that go into determining the outcome of any hand, over time players make decisions based on long-run expectations derived from their understanding of game theory, psychology and probability. Unlike some other card games, the majority of money in poker is placed into the pot voluntarily by players who believe their bets will have a positive expected value or who are trying to bluff for various strategic reasons.
If you are unsure about what your chances of winning are in any given hand, try to think in terms of probabilities. For example, a high pair has a much higher chance of winning than a low one. The best way to improve your poker hand is to learn how to read other players and look for tells. These can include anything from a nervous habit like fiddling with chips to the way someone moves around the table.
The most important thing to remember in poker is that the game is all about putting your opponent on a particular hand and making the best play against it. Beginners often try to put their opponents on specific hands and while this can be effective at times, it will only work if you have the correct read on your opponent. To develop this skill, observe other players at the table and ask for help from experienced players.