The game of poker is complex and requires a lot of thought to understand, but even novice players can make big profits with the right strategy. The game has an element of luck, but the long-run expectations of players are based on actions they take based on probability, psychology, and game theory.

It’s important to be able to read your opponents. Whether you’re reading facial expressions, body language, or a player’s tells, knowing how to read your opponents can help you win more often. If you’re new to poker, it’s especially important to watch for tells, which can be anything from fiddling with their chips or ring to mood shifts.

There are many tips to be found online, but one of the most valuable is to play only one table and observe every action. This allows you to learn what good players are doing and exploit their mistakes.

In addition, it’s also important to study the basic rules of poker. This includes poker hand rankings and the meaning of positions like EP (Early Position), CO (Cut-Off) and UTG (Under the Gun). It’s also important to know what your opponents are holding and how to read their betting patterns. For example, if someone bets early and raises often, they are likely to have a strong hand. If someone calls with weak hands, they may be bluffing or trying to steal a pot. Then you can determine if they’re a good opponent to call or fold against.