Poker is a card game in which players place bets into a pot before the cards are dealt. A player can win the pot by having a high-ranking poker hand or by raising a bet that no one calls. The game may be played by 2 to 14 people. It’s common for new players to lose their first few games and feel discouraged. However, there are many things that a new player can do to improve their chances of winning, from managing their bankroll to reading tells.

If a player has a strong poker hand, they should be aggressive and bet often. This will make the pot larger and increase their chances of winning. However, it is important to balance aggression with solid bluffs. Overly-aggressive players will often end up losing a lot of money.

It is important to study poker strategy books and learn the game well. There are many books available, both online and at your local library. You should also try to find books that have been updated recently. This will ensure that you are learning the most up-to-date strategies.

Another great way to improve your poker skills is to play with winning players. Look for players who are consistently winning at the same stakes as you and start a group chat or meet weekly to discuss difficult spots you have encountered in the game. This will help you to learn how to better read your opponents and exploit their mistakes.