Poker is a game of chance and psychology (although some people do win big with just a pair of nines). It’s best to start off small, and learn by watching and playing with others who know how. Getting good at the game is quite addictive and fun.

The game begins with each player placing an ante into the pot before being dealt five cards from a standard 52-card deck. The players then take turns betting. The person with the highest hand wins.

Before betting, it’s a good idea to do several shuffles of the cards. This helps mix up the order, and gives a better idea of how the cards are distributed. It’s also a good idea to cut the deck more than once.

When the flop comes, it’s best to fold a weak hand. If you have a strong one, however, raise to price out weaker hands from the pot. Raise a little early, too – this forces your opponents to put more money into the pot, which can help you make a monster poker hand.

It’s also important to study the other players at the table and try to pick up on their tells. These aren’t just nervous habits, like fiddling with their chips or wearing a ring, but also the way that a player plays their cards and how they react to other players’ moves. Learning how to read other players can save you a lot of money in the long run.