Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves a lot of skill and psychology. You can learn a lot about poker by playing and watching it, but it’s important to focus on improving your instincts rather than learning complicated systems that may or may not work. Practice and observe other players’ moves to develop quick instincts that will help you act more quickly in your own games.
Generally speaking, the first player to bet will say “call” or “I call” when it’s their turn to put money in the pot. However, if you’re unsure of your hand’s value, it’s best to just fold before calling. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
The most important thing to remember about poker is that your hands are good or bad only in relation to what the other player is holding. A pair of kings might seem like a great hand, but when the flop comes with 10-8-6, they are losers 82% of the time.
Don’t be afraid to play small, especially when you’re a new player. You’ll likely lose a few hands, but that’s the price you pay for developing solid instincts and learning the game. It’s also a good idea to track your wins and losses so you can see how much progress you’re making. Then you can decide whether to increase your bet size or continue to play the same game. This way, you won’t waste money on bad habits.