Poker is a game of chance. But, when you add betting to the game, it becomes more of a game of skill and psychology. It’s also more complex than most sports, which is why it’s so challenging to master.

If you’re new to the game, it’s important to learn how to bet effectively. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and increase the value of your winnings. You’ll need to know how much to call, raise and fold. It’s also helpful to read up on the rules of different variations of poker.

It’s important to be able to read other players. Look for tells like eye movements, idiosyncrasies and hand gestures. You can also learn a lot about an opponent by watching their betting behavior. If they make a large bet, it’s likely that they have an excellent hand.

It’s also important to remember that even the most successful poker players have bad sessions. Don’t let a bad session discourage you from playing poker again. Just keep learning and practicing. Eventually you’ll get better.