Poker is more than just a fun pastime — it’s also a great way to improve your cognitive skills. This game requires strategic thinking, decision-making, and patience — all of which can have positive effects in your daily life. But how exactly do you become a better poker player? While some things take time to learn, there are a few key points that every beginner can benefit from.

First of all, it’s important to understand the game rules. This includes how the pot is awarded, and the rake. The game begins with a ante (amount varies by poker variant) and then players place bets into the pot. The highest hand wins the pot.

It’s also helpful to observe more experienced players’ gameplay. This allows you to learn from their mistakes, as well as see how they handle challenging situations. In addition, you can study their strategies and incorporate successful elements into your own play.

If you’re not sure whether to call or fold, the best strategy is always to raise. This will force your opponent to choose between calling or folding, and can help you get a better showdown value. Furthermore, raising can help you avoid the embarrassment of a bad beat, and can give you the confidence you need to keep playing.