Poker is a game of incomplete information, and every action you take — whether it’s calling a raise or folding — gives your opponents bits of information that they can use to build a story about your hand. The more they know about your hand, the harder it is to get paid off with big hands and the easier it is for you to get caught bluffing.
When players have two cards each, the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that anyone can use in a betting round called the flop. Then there’s a fourth card that the dealer puts down for everyone to see on the turn, and then another betting round.
Beginners should start with tight hands and avoid playing crazy hands, especially in early position. This is because they’re taking on more risk when they act first and have less information to work with than the players who come after them.
Learn to read other players and watch for tells. Tells don’t just include nervous habits like fiddling with their chips or wearing a ring, they can also be a player’s betting style. For example, if someone calls your bet and then makes a large raise, they’re probably signaling strength because they want you to call or raise so that their weaker hand isn’t exposed.
It’s important to understand that even the most experienced players make mistakes and lose hands. Don’t let this discourage you, just look for ways to improve your play and keep practicing.