How to Play Poker Like a Pro
Poker is a game of chance, but it’s also a game of skill and psychology. You can learn a lot about the game from reading a book or watching expert players on television, but nothing beats playing the game for yourself to develop your instincts. If you’re a beginner, start out with the lowest stakes possible. That way, you won’t feel too bad if you lose a lot of money at the beginning.
It’s important to observe the other players at your table, looking for tells. These aren’t just nervous habits, like fiddling with chips or a ring, but a player’s entire body language. For example, a player who calls all night and then makes a large raise is probably holding a good hand. Beginners should learn to pick up on these tells to improve their game.
Another tip is to make sure that you always play the best hand you can. Many pros recommend that beginners only play with high pairs (aces, kings, queens, or jacks) or high-suited cards (ace-jack of the same suit). This is a great strategy to follow for newcomers to the game, but it’s not always fun or exciting.