As with many card games, poker relies heavily on risk-taking and the ability to manage that risk. It’s important for new players to build up their comfort with that risk, and that can be done by taking smaller risks in lower-stakes situations before trying bigger ones. Similarly, learning how to manage your risk at the table can help you make smarter decisions. For example, if you see that your odds of winning a hand are quickly diminishing, you might want to fold instead of digging yourself into a deeper hole.

When playing poker, you can either “call” (put in the same number of chips as the previous player) or “raise” (put more than that amount into the pot). It’s important to be clear on your betting so that fellow players understand what you mean. Also, try not to talk about your hand before it’s your turn. Doing so can influence how other players play before it’s your turn, which isn’t fair to them.

You can also improve your game by studying how experienced players react in specific situations. Doing so can help you develop quick instincts when making decisions. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Start at the lowest stakes possible so that you can learn strategy without donating money to people who are much more skilled than you are.