Poker is a card game where players place chips into a pot, and then each player turns up their cards. The highest-ranked hand wins the pot. The game has a lot of luck, but there is also skill involved. The more you play, the better you’ll become.

Beginners should start out small, and only play with money they can afford to lose. They should also learn how to read opponents. This means observing their body language and watching for tells. This includes physical tells, such as fiddling with their hands or a ring, but it can also include how they act at the table. For example, if someone who usually calls raises a large amount on the river, they may be holding a strong hand.

It’s also important to study the game and find your own style. There are many books on the subject, and you can even discuss your game with other players for a more objective look at how you play. But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide on a strategy and stick with it. You should also tweak your strategy based on your results.

A big mistake that many new players make is trying to bluff all the time. This can backfire and lead to a loss. It’s much better to play a balanced game and force your opponents to think twice about calling your bets.

One way to do this is by playing your weaker hands aggressively. By raising, you’ll put the other players in a position where they must fold or raise. You can also use your position to control the size of the pot. If you have a good hand, bet at it to inflate the pot and get the most value out of it.

You can also play your strong hands in a more passive way, such as by checking and folding. This will allow you to steal more often and avoid being punished by opponents who call every time you have a strong hand.

Another part of the game that requires advanced thinking is pot control. This involves knowing when to bet and how much to bet. It’s a crucial skill for beginners to master, and it can be done by reading your opponent’s range.

A good way to practice this is by playing a few hands in your home poker game before you head to the casino or online table. This will help you develop the mental skills needed to be a successful poker player. You should also remember that everyone loses from time to time, and you shouldn’t be afraid to end a session with only a few buyins lost. That’s far better than losing thousands of dollars trying to win your losses back. And don’t count each session separately, either – that’s a bad habit!