Poker is a game of strategy and psychology that can be applied to life. The unpredictability of the cards and the way players interact with each other provide a treasure trove of metaphors for writers to use in their writing. The unpredictability of a good story is key to keeping readers engaged, and poker can help you create a narrative that has the same twists and turns that will keep your audience hooked.

A good poker player is quick to react and has a strong sense of instinct. Practice and watch experienced players to develop these skills. It is important to be able to read your opponents’ betting patterns. This can be done by paying attention to the amount of money that is raised and how it relates to the number of chips in a player’s stack. You can also pay attention to the smallest details of your opponent’s body language and look for tells.

In limit play, players should also take note of how much their opponents are raising. A short-stacked player will be desperate to win, and can be easier to bluff against. A player with a large stack will have more of an advantage in a pot, and can be harder to bluff against.

If you are playing in a pot and want to raise the stakes, say “raise” to add your own money to the betting pool. Then, the other players will have the option of matching your raise or folding.