Poker is a card game where players try to form the best five-card hand. They do this with the two private cards they receive from the dealer called their hole cards, and also the five community cards that are placed in the centre of the table and available to everyone. The player who has the best hand wins.
To win at poker you need to understand the game theory, a good understanding of odds and how to read people. You will also need to play a lot of hands, at least 6 an hour, as this is the only way you will get enough experience to improve quickly. If you do not play a lot then it will take much longer to become a profitable player, even if you study the game extensively.
The best way to learn the game is to join one of the best poker training sites. They have structured courses and will help you get better much quicker. They will teach you preflop and postflop strategy as well as how to read people. If you can afford it then this is the best way to learn the game.
When you have a good hand you should raise, this will force weaker hands to fold and increase the value of your hand. You should always avoid limping as this is often a mistake. When you have a weak hand you should either fold or bluff. If you are unsure about which to do then check out Phil Hellmuth’s book, Play Poker Like the Pros.