A game of poker is played between two or more people. Each player has a set of cards, and betting goes around the table in a clockwise direction. Each player has the option to “call” (match) the bet of the previous player, raise it or fold. When you say “raise” it means that you want to add more money to the pot. The other players can then choose to call your new bet, or raise their own.

You need to learn how to read the other players at the table. This includes knowing their tells, and it means being able to figure out what type of hand they are holding. For example, a player who has been calling all night and suddenly raises is probably holding a strong hand.

Another thing to learn is how to play in position. Essentially, this means playing more hands and betting less often when you are in late position. This allows you to control the size of the pot and force weaker hands out of it.

When you have a strong hand, be aggressive and go after the pot. This will allow you to win more money on a regular basis. However, you must remember to make smart bluffs and be cautious when you have a weak hand. Otherwise, you will lose money. It is also important to keep in mind that the divide between break-even beginner players and big time winners is not as wide as many people think. In fact, the difference is usually a few small adjustments that you can make over time.