Poker is a game of chance when there is no money at risk but it gains a lot more skill once betting enters the picture. This is mostly due to psychology but also because it forces players into more difficult decisions that need a certain amount of deliberation.

One of the first things you need to learn is how to read a poker chart. This will give you a general idea of how different hands beat each other and how much stronger your hand is than another. For example, a flush beats two pair and a straight beats three of a kind.

Another thing you need to learn is how to play in position. This will allow you to bluff more often and make large pots when you have a strong holding. It is also easier to play a wide range of hands in late position than early position.

If you find yourself at a bad table, call the floor over and ask for a new one. Generally they will do this and you’ll get a new table that is better than your old one.

If you’re a beginner, try playing cash games instead of tournaments. This will help you gain experience faster and will prevent you from losing a lot of money in the beginning. It will also allow you to practice vs. weaker players and learn the game better than if you played against world-class players.