Poker is a card game where players put in a small amount of money, called chips, to bet on their hands. The player who has the best hand wins the pot. The game can be very addictive and fun to play, but it is important not to spend too much money on it at the beginning as you learn how to win.

One way to make sure you aren’t spending too much money is to only play with other people who are playing conservatively as well. This will help you learn the game and get a feel for how the game works. Another thing to keep in mind when starting out is to start at the lowest stakes possible. This will allow you to play against the weakest players without risking a lot of money, which will help you improve your strategy and become a better player.

The first thing to understand is that poker is a game of odds and EV (expected value). You should always base your decisions on these factors, rather than on your emotions or tells. This will give you the most chance of winning in the long run.

Another good tip is to be a little aggressive when you have a strong hand. If you see that the other players are checking after the flop, then bet a reasonable amount to force them out of their hand and increase the value of your pot.