Poker is a card game that requires players to place bets into the pot (money that is shared by everyone at the table) in order to win a hand. Each player puts in a bet on their turn, which is typically done by saying “call” to match the bet of the person to their left. This is a good idea because it helps to build the pot and also wards off other players who are waiting for draws that may beat your hand.

When betting, always try to push weaker hands out of the pot early. This will force them to bluff or call you and will increase the value of your pots. Bluffing is an integral part of the game, but as a beginner it should be avoided unless you feel confident with your relative hand strength.

Learn to read your opponents – paying attention to how your opponent bets and playing the player is a key aspect of poker strategy. This doesn’t mean looking for subtle physical poker tells, but rather watching patterns that indicate whether a player is holding a strong or weak hand.

If you are a newbie, start with cash games rather than tournaments. This will give you a better chance of making money and learning the game in a comfortable environment. Start at the lowest stakes and move up as you become more skilled. This way you won’t donate money to people who are much stronger than you right now and this will allow you to make a profit and build your bankroll over time.