The game of poker has a great deal of luck involved, but it also relies heavily on player skill. This skill involves reading the other players and understanding the game’s rules. It also requires good decision-making based on probability, psychology, and game theory. In addition, a player must be able to adjust their strategy depending on the cards they draw.

To start a hand, each player is dealt two cards face down (hidden from other players). Then the betting begins. The first player to the left of the button can put in chips equal to or higher than the previous bet (call), put out a raise by raising the amount of the previous bet, or fold their cards.

When all players reveal their hands, the person with the highest hand wins the pot. The highest hand can be any of the following:

A straight consists of 5 consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 2-3-4-8-9. A flush consists of three matching cards of one rank and two unmatched cards. A full house contains three matching cards of the same rank and two matching cards of another rank.

When you are starting out, play with money that you are willing to lose. This will minimize your financial risk and allow you to make mistakes and learn from them without feeling the impact on your bankroll. After each practice session, take time to review and analyze your gameplay. Use hand history tracking software or take notes to identify areas for improvement and determine whether your decisions align with optimal strategies.