Poker is a game of chance, but it also relies on skill. The better you are at reading players and making adjustments to your own play, the more likely you are to win. There are many different approaches to poker strategy, and some players even write whole books on the subject. However, the most successful players have a solid understanding of the basics: hand rankings, basic rules and position.
To begin with, you should learn to play conservatively at low stakes and home games. This will allow you to observe player tendencies and study their pre-flop ranges. Once you have an accurate pre-flop range, you can bet more confidently and mix your play up more.
Once you have a good grasp of the basics, it is important to understand the importance of position. The position you have at the table will influence which hands you should open with, and how aggressively you should play them. The most common positions at the table are EP (early position), MP, and BB (blind/small blind).
It is also important to be able to read other players and pick up on their tells. This includes things like eye movements, idiosyncrasies, betting behavior and more. For example, if an opponent who has been calling all night suddenly makes a large raise, they may be holding an unbeatable hand. It is also important to develop a good bankroll management plan, and know how to quit when you’re ahead.