Poker is a card game in which players place chips (representing money) into a pot when they want to raise, call or fold. Each player acts in turn according to the rules of the specific poker variant being played. Players may also make additional “blind bets” in certain situations.
When betting, the more information you have about your opponent’s position and how strong their hand is, the better. Early positions like the SB and BB have less information and must act first, which puts them at a disadvantage. Observing experienced players can teach you how to read opponents and develop quick instincts. Learn from their mistakes and successes to incorporate some of their strategies into your own gameplay.
Playing strong value hands with confidence is essential. You want to bet and raise a lot when you think your hand is ahead of your opponent’s calling range. This will cause your opponent to overthink and reach wrong conclusions, which is exactly what you’re looking for.
When playing poker, you must be willing to put your ego aside and bet what is in your best interest. If you are afraid to risk your buy-in for fear of losing, you should find a different game or another table. Putting your ego aside will also help you develop better reading skills, since poker is a game of strategy and psychology. The more you play, the faster and better you’ll become at making decisions.