If you’re new to poker, start by finding a game hosted in your area. Often, these home games are run by friendly dealers who are eager to teach the game and help you learn the rules. They’ll explain the different hands, the odds of getting each one, and the betting system. You’ll also get a chance to play practice hands using chips that don’t represent real money, so you can get a feel for the game before you start betting actual cash.

The game of poker involves a large amount of luck, but once you introduce betting, it becomes more like a game of skill. When you’re playing for real money, it’s important to be patient and think critically about the situation at hand. This is especially important when bluffing or raising bets, as you don’t want to make an incorrect decision that can cost you big money.

Most people use chips to represent their bets instead of cash. This makes the game much more organized and encourages competition among players. Each color of chip represents a specific dollar amount, so you can easily track your winnings and losses.

A basic poker strategy involves observing other players to gain an understanding of their tendencies. For example, if an experienced player makes a bet after seeing the flop and you have two pair, you can guess that they probably have three of a kind or better. This type of observation will help you build quick instincts in the game, which will improve your chances of winning.