Poker is a game of chance, but it’s also about making smart decisions under pressure. This is a skill that can benefit entrepreneurs and athletes alike, as well as the general population. Research has even shown that consistently playing poker can delay the onset of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
There are many ways to learn poker, and the best way will depend on your personal learning style. Whether you prefer to read books or watch videos, there are many incredible resources available online. You can find everything from poker blogs to top pros, and there are even some games designed for kids that help them learn the basics.
The most important thing for new players to understand is that poker is a game of ranges. This means that your opponent’s hand will only be good or bad in relation to what you are holding. For example, if you have kings, but your opponent has A-A, your kings will only lose 82% of the time. This is why it is so important to read your opponents and pick up on their tells, which can be spotted by observing things like eye movements, idiosyncrasies, and betting behavior.
The other aspect of ranges is to know when to raise and when to fold. If you have a made hand, raising will scare weaker players into folding and narrow the field. It’s also an excellent way to bluff and can sometimes lead to big pots.