Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves skill and strategy. The element of luck can bolster or tank a good hand, but it’s important to know how to play when you have a strong one and how to get in on the right hands when bluffing. It’s also crucial to learn the tells of your opponents and use them in your advantage.
The game begins with players putting money into the pot called blinds (mandatory bets made by the 2 players to the left of the dealer). Once everyone has their 2 hole cards, there’s a round of betting. Players can either check, meaning they pass on betting, or raise by adding more chips to the pot. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.
In early position, it’s best to keep your opening range tight and only open with strong hands. As the action gets later in the hand, you can make a stronger range of hands and take advantage of your opponent’s weaker ones by raising.
If you have a solid poker hand, you should stay in to see the flop, especially when it’s suited or paired. Consecutive low cards like K10 are worth playing, as they’re more valuable than a hand such as A4. Staying in with a high pair or straight is another option, but you should only do so if it’s suited. Otherwise, a weak hand like A4 should be folded.