Poker is a card game that involves chance, but it also involves skill. While luck will always play a part in poker, players can improve their chances of winning by learning to make the best decisions based on probability, psychology, and game theory. A good poker player will not only be able to predict how other players will play, but they will also know how much to bluff in certain situations. The difference between break-even beginner players and big-time winners is often a few little adjustments that are made over time, such as changing how a player views the game in a cold, detached, mathematical, and logical way rather than being emotional and superstitious.

When starting out in poker, the most important thing is to learn how to play against better players than yourself. This means avoiding games that are too tough for you, but not too easy. You will also want to choose games that offer the best value for your bankroll. You can do this by choosing the right stakes and games, learning about bet sizes and position, networking with other players, and studying the game with video training.

If you are a beginner, you should start out with small-stakes games and gradually work your way up to bigger games as your skills improve. This will help you avoid large swings and increase your win rate.

Another key tip is to fold mediocre hands. You will not get anywhere in poker if you play with a junky hand. For example, middle-pair or top-pair with a bad kicker is usually a bad call. This type of hand is unlikely to win the showdown, so it’s important to muck it and watch the action.

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is to think that folding is a sign of weakness. This is not true, and many times it will be in your best interest to bow out of a hand, especially if you are dealt a low-value card such as an unsuited low card or a high-card pair.

Lastly, it is crucial to understand the importance of pot control. This is the ability to influence how big or small a pot is by betting and raising with strong hands, and calling with weak ones. This can be accomplished by acting last, which gives you the opportunity to see what other players have done and adjust accordingly. It is important to keep the size of the pot at a comfortable level when you are in late position, as this will give you more value for your strong hands. It is also a good idea to exercise pot control when you have a drawing or mediocre hand. This will prevent the pot from getting too big and making it difficult for you to call when your opponent bets.