Poker is a game that can be very addicting, but it also requires skill. It’s important to have quick instincts when playing, as well as reading your opponents and their behavior. Practice and watch experienced players to develop your own instincts and strategies.

The game begins with the dealer passing a number of cards to each player, one at a time. Once everyone has their cards, they must either call a bet (put in the same amount of chips as the player to their left) or raise it. Players who do not raise or call the bet lose their cards and are out of the hand.

Once the players have their hands, they must declare them to other players and then the winner is determined. The best hand wins the pot and the worst hand loses.

If you’re trying to get better at poker, the most important thing is to have a positive mindset and learn from your mistakes. Even top players make fundamental errors that cost them money. It’s a great idea to find a coach who can review your play and help you correct the mistakes.

The biggest mistake many new players make is calling too much with weak hands. When you’re starting out, you should fold your weaker hands unless there is a good chance of winning. However, if you have a strong hand, it’s often a good idea to raise, as this will price out all of the worse hands.