Poker is a game of chance, but it is also a game of decision making. The best players weigh the risks and rewards of their actions and make decisions that maximize their profits. They learn to read their opponents and understand how their actions impact the game. In addition, they use game theory to analyze the odds and probability of their hand.

The first step is learning the basic rules of poker. This includes knowing the different hand rankings, the basic rules of poker, and how to determine position at the table. A player can learn much of this from reading books or watching online videos.

Beginners should play tight at the beginning, only playing strong hands aggressively. This will help them avoid getting pushed around by stronger players. However, it is important to remember that a moderate amount of risk can yield a large reward in poker as well as in life.

It is also important to be able to read the other players at your table. This can be done by analyzing their eye movements, idiosyncrasies, and betting behavior. For example, if a player frequently calls and then raises on later streets, it may be a sign that they have a strong hand.

The best players are also able to calculate pot odds and percentages quickly and quietly. They also have the patience to wait for optimal hands and proper position, and they know when to quit a session if they feel frustrated or tired.