Poker is a card game in which players place a bet and then show their cards to determine who has the best hand. The person with the highest ranking hand wins the pot, which is the total of all bets placed by everyone in the hand. Despite its reputation as a game of chance, poker actually requires a certain amount of skill and psychology to play well.

When learning the basics of poker, it is helpful to focus on the position you are in, your opponent’s betting tendencies, and the card ranking of your own hand. It is also a good idea to observe more experienced players and consider how you would react in their shoes to develop quick instincts.

As a new player, you should start out conservatively at low stakes and only play your strongest hands. This will prevent you from losing too much money and help you learn the game’s flow. Additionally, it is important to observe your opponents and look for tells. For example, if a player always plays weak pairs or calls large bets when drawing, they are likely a poor player that you should avoid.

A common mistake that many beginner players make is over-playing their hands. Instead of calling a large bet with a weak hand, you should fold and allow your opponent to win the pot. If you have a weak hand, it is more profitable to fold than go all in with your last chips and potentially lose them.