Poker is a game of chance but it also involves quite a bit of psychology and skill. While some of the best poker players in the world are lucky, most win because they make correct decisions over time.

Understanding the game’s rules is the first step in mastering it. Then you need to understand the importance of table position and betting strategies. Finally, you need to be able to take risks. Some of these risky decisions will be successful and others won’t, but it is important to separate the outcome of a decision from the reasoning behind it.

After two cards are dealt the dealer puts three additional cards on the board that everyone can use, called the flop. Everyone has a chance to check (putting no money in the pot), call, or raise. If a player has a high pair or a flush they win the hand. If there is a tie the highest card breaks it.

A common mistake for beginner poker players is to overplay their hands. This often happens when a player believes that they have a good hand and they should keep betting to get the other players to fold. While this is a great strategy for some spots, in many other cases it makes more sense to simply fold and save your chips for another hand. This is especially true when you are in EP, MP, or LP and can expect to face a bet from the person to your left.