The game of poker is played between 2 or more players and involves betting. Each player places an initial amount of money into the pot before their cards are dealt. This is called an ante. Some games also require additional mandatory bets, known as blinds. These are placed by the two players to the left of the dealer and create an incentive for players to play.

When playing poker, you must be able to read your opponents. Observe their body language for any tells they might have, such as fiddling with their chips or jewelry, or the way they play. It’s important to be able to identify these things, as they can give you insight into what kind of hands your opponent may hold. For example, if an opponent suddenly raises, they may be holding a very strong hand.

Understanding the concept of ranges is a fundamental skill that all poker players should learn. While new players often try to put their opponents on a particular hand, more experienced players work out what range of hands their opponent could be holding and adjust their strategy accordingly.

One of the most common mistakes that poker beginners make is slowplaying their strong hands. While there are certain situations in which this is a good strategy, it’s usually more profitable to just bet and raise your hands. This helps you get value from your strong hands and keeps your opponent from making a mistake when they’re bluffing.