Poker is a game of chance, but the best players know that it’s also a game of skill. It is not only about playing your cards right, but also about reading other players and picking up on their tells. You can use this information to your advantage, and improve your chances of winning.
Position at the table is important in poker. Being in the button position, for example, will give you key insights into how strong your opponents are holding their hands. Grosvenor Pro Jeff Kimber points out that you can also use your opponents’ actions before the flop to try and work out how likely they are to have a specific hand.
It is important to not be afraid to bet when you have a strong hand. This will build the pot and chase off other players who are waiting for a particular draw to come to them. You can also try to put your opponents on a range, which will help you make more educated decisions about what they could be holding.
A good player will always be able to read the situation and decide whether or not a specific hand is good or bad. You should also learn to watch other players and look for their tells, such as fiddling with their chips or wearing a suit. You can then work out when they are trying to deceive you, or are making a big move on the basis of a good hand.