Poker gets a bad rap since it’s lumped in with every other casino game and gambling scheme known to man, but there is more skill involved than you think. Sure, there’s a lot of luck and variance involved, but consistent winning players are able to outperform the odds on a regular basis. This is because Poker is not a random game, but one that requires skill, psychology and a solid strategy.

If you’re just starting out, the most important thing to focus on is understanding the rules, hand rankings and basic positions. This is the foundation you’ll need to build upon as you learn more advanced strategies.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your hands are only good or bad in relation to what the other players have. For example, if you hold a pair of kings and the flop comes 10-8-6, your kings will lose 82% of the time. This is because the other player’s pair will beat yours.

When the betting starts, it’s important to pay attention to how long it takes other players to make their decisions. An immediate check means a weak hand, while a quick call or raise usually indicates a strong one. Also, look for players who pause and contemplate their actions for too long; they’re likely trying to figure out if you have them beat or are bluffing.