Poker is a gambling game where players put chips into the pot in order to compete for the highest hand. There is some skill involved, but it is mostly a matter of making fast decisions. Practice and watch other players to develop quick instincts.

When betting starts, the first player to act, typically the player to the left of the button (which indicates where the action should begin), must place a small blind bet and the player to his or her right must post a big blind bet. This money is called the “blinds” and helps give players something to chase after and fight for.

In the beginning, beginners should play one table and focus on learning how to make good, fast decisions at their game. This will help them avoid making costly mistakes and become better.

As a beginner, you should also be observant of your opponents’ tells and learn how to read them. This will allow you to determine if a player is holding a strong or weak hand and help you avoid making foolish bets that could cost you the game.

It is important to remember that your poker hand is only good or bad in relation to the other cards at the table. For example, your pair of kings may look fantastic on their own but when another player holds A-A, your kings are losing hands 82% of the time. This is why it is so important to play the player, not your cards.