1. Know the Rules, Master the Basics

The first step to playing poker is understanding the rules. This includes knowing what a “strong” hand is, how to calculate your odds, and the importance of folding pre-flop. A good way to learn these concepts is to read a book on the game and watch videos of experienced players. This will help you develop quick instincts that will come in handy in the heat of the moment.

It is also important to pay attention to the betting patterns of your opponents. A player who is short-stacked will be more desperate to win and may be easier to bluff against. On the other hand, a player with a big stack will be more difficult to bluff against.

Another important aspect of poker is storytelling. Every action you take, whether it is to fold, call, check or reveal, communicates a story to your opponent. Sometimes you are trying to tell them that you have a good hand and other times you are trying to convey that you have a weak one.