The game of poker is filled with catchy expressions but perhaps none more well-known than “Play the Player, Not the Cards.” It’s a simple message that tells players to focus on what their opponents are doing, not what their own cards are telling them.

In a poker game, each player is dealt two cards (or more, depending on the type of poker being played) and then five community cards are revealed in stages: three cards called the “flop,” an additional card known as the “turn,” and then another single card known as the “river.” During each betting round, players may bet or fold their cards.

Depending on the rules of your particular poker game, you might also be allowed to draw replacement cards for the ones in your hand during or after the first betting round. The goal is to make the best five-card poker hand from your own personal cards and those on the table.

When you start playing poker, it’s important to begin at the lowest limit tables. This will allow you to play versus weaker players and help you develop your poker skills before moving up in stakes.

It’s also important to remember that your poker skills will only improve if you put in the time and effort. Spending time studying hand rankings, basic rules and position is essential to your success in the game. If you don’t understand how a poker hand ranks and its value, you won’t be able to develop the proper strategy to win.