In poker, the game is about making the right decisions at the correct times. This requires you to understand probabilities and how the odds of getting certain cards affect your chances of winning. It also helps to be able to read your opponents. This can be done by observing them and putting yourself in their shoes. This will help you build strong instincts and play better poker.
When starting out, try to learn the game by playing for free in micro-stakes games where mistakes won’t cost you too much. You can also read articles and watch videos on the game, however, it’s best to find a mentor first to teach you the basics.
One of the most important things to learn is the difference between an exploitative strategy and a balanced one. An exploitative strategy is one that takes advantage of an opponent’s weakness. It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s important to know the difference between this and a balanced strategy.
Another thing to learn is how to fast-play your hands. This is important because it allows you to build the pot quickly and may chase off players who are waiting for a specific card that would improve their hand.
In addition to fast-playing your hands, you should learn to read other players and watch for their tells. This includes their eyes, idiosyncrasies and betting patterns. For instance, if a player who has been calling all night suddenly makes a large raise, this is often a sign that they have an exceptional hand.