Poker is the only gambling game in which skill has more influence over the outcome than luck. It requires a lot of brain power, which can leave you exhausted at the end of the session. But it is a very rewarding experience, both in terms of the learning you do and the sense of accomplishment once you have mastered the game.
One of the most important things to learn about poker is how to read other players. Watching their behavior can help you pick up on tells and figure out what they are holding. You should also try to understand their betting behavior, including whether they are trying to bluff or not. This way, you can adjust your own betting strategy accordingly.
Another thing to learn about poker is how to take risks and play strong hands. It is a game of competition, and stronger players won’t take you lightly. They will put pressure on you by raising and betting, and they will take advantage of your weaknesses if you are not aggressive enough. Aim to play tight in EP and MP, and open only with solid cards like AQ or KK. It is also good to memorize a few charts so that you know what hands beat each other (e.g. flush beats straight and three of a kind beats two pair). This will help you make more money in the long run. Also, don’t forget to set aside time for studying your game. Remember that you get out what you put in, and the more you study, the better your results will be.