When playing poker, you are betting with other players against each other and the dealer. Betting is done with chips that have been placed in a pot after each player has received their cards. You can check (no bet), call a bet made by another player, raise your own bet amount, or fold. Generally speaking, players will place money into the pot only when they believe it has a positive expected value for them. This is decided by a variety of factors, including probability, psychology, and game theory.
When you say “call” to join in a bet, you are agreeing to match the amount of the previous player’s stake in the pot. This is a standard method of joining the pot and is used to keep your opponents from noticing your raises or bluffing. This is a strategy you should learn and use to your advantage, but remember it is not foolproof.
The best way to improve your poker skills is to play a lot of hands and learn the game. Study the games of experienced players to gain an understanding of different strategies and tactics. Pay attention to their mistakes and try to avoid them in your own gameplay, as well as their successful moves. By learning how to read other players, you can pick up on their tells and see whether they are bluffing or really have a strong hand. This will help you make more accurate calls and bets at the right times.