Poker is a game of cards in which players make bets, usually in the form of chips. Each player begins the game by buying in with a specified amount of chips. The dealer then shuffles and deals the cards to the table, starting with the player to their left. The players then place their bets into a central pot.

One of the first poker lessons beginners should learn is that a good hand is not enough to win the game. You also need to be able to read your opponents, and understand the relative strength of each hand. For example, two pairs of kings is a great hand but it’s only likely to win 82% of the time against another player holding A-A.

If you’re in early position, for instance, it’s important to play tight, opening only the strongest hands. This reduces the number of people you’re up against and gives you better bluffing opportunities. Likewise, if you have strong pre-flop cards like AK, bet aggressively on the flop to force weaker hands out of the pot.

You’ll also need to be disciplined and persevere. Don’t let a few losses crush your confidence, and try to learn from each game. Watch videos of Phil Ivey taking bad beats to see how the best players deal with them. You’ll also need to commit to smart game selection, playing only games that are profitable for your bankroll. This will help you build your skills without risking too much of your hard-earned money.