Poker is a card game where players put their money at risk when they play a hand. There are elements of chance in poker such as when you have a flush or straight draw, but you can also win through skill and bluffing. Regardless, poker is a fast-paced game that requires quick decisions. When it’s your turn to act, you can choose to check (pass on putting any money into the pot), bet (put more than the other player’s current bet), call, or raise. It’s important to know what your opponents are doing and to remember that each player has different betting patterns.

Beginners should start with a tight range of starting hands, as this will maximize their chances of winning. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be afraid to bluff or play loose. You should still be prepared to lose, but you should only gamble what you can afford. It’s also important to understand bankroll management and avoid going over it.

Watching experienced poker players and imagining how you would react will help to develop your instincts. This will allow you to read the other players more easily. For example, you should be able to tell if someone is more conservative and avoids high betting, while more aggressive players are more likely to make big moves early on in the hand. Observe these patterns and try to mimic them in your own games. This will speed up the process of learning.