The sampling of Plot is controlled by three option settings

PlotPoints -> npts
MaxRecursion -> mr  (* default  is 6 for Plot[]; max is 15 *)
Method -> {"Refinement" -> {"ControlValue" -> rad}}  (* in radians (was Method -> {"MaxBend" -> deg} in degrees) *)

PlotPoints -> npts determines the initial number npts of sampling points. The intervals about a sampling point are subdivided (in two) if the two adjacent line segments deviate from forming a straight line by an angle of more than the control value rad (in radians). This is done up to the MaxRecursion setting mr times. My own investigations show that it is not that simple, in that recursive subdivision sometimes continues past the limit defined by the control value rad. Also, it appears that in the recursive subdivision process, the intervals defined by the sample points are separated into two classes, those that have satisfied the control value and those under active recursive subdivision. Once an interval $I$ is marked "OK," it does not seem to ever be reconsidered for active subdivision, even if an adjacent interval is subdivided to the point that the angle formed with $I$ exceeds rad.

Generally, you want PlotPoints to be high enough that every peak or valley in the plot has at least one sampling point. You also want it high enough so that recursive subdivision is able to resolve the features of the graph (to your satisfaction) after at most MaxRecursion subdivisions. Usually, one does not need to change the control value rad for screen plots, but if more accurate plots are needed, it can be used to make the plot appear smoother.