Poker is a game of skill – over the long run the best players win. But it’s a game that takes a lot of work to master, involving complex math, human emotions and psychology, nutrition, money management and more. This is why you should not try to memorize and apply complicated strategies, but rather learn how to think and read the game strategically, using theoretically balanced ranges and analyzing your opponents to make the best decisions that will give you an edge.
The basics of the game are relatively simple; after 2 cards are dealt, there is a round of betting that begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Once the betting is complete, another card will be dealt face up, called the turn – again a round of betting begins. After all the action is completed on the flop, the turn, and the river, there will be another round of betting, which begins with the player to the left of the player who raised the last round.
Beginners tend to limp too often, which gives their opponents an easy pass to see the flop with mediocre hands and allows them to bet for value after the flop. Instead beginners should raise when they can, or fold their hand. Aggressively playing your draws will also put more pressure on your opponents and improve your chances of making the winning hand. Lastly, pay attention to your opponents; reading their subtle physical tells can help but the majority of poker reads come from patterns (eg. if they’re folding all the time, then you can assume that they only play strong hands).
