Poker is one of the most popular casino games and millions of people play it either live or over the internet. It is also a game of skill and can be quite a daunting experience for new players.

To succeed at the game, you need a number of skills, including discipline and perseverance. In addition, you must be able to choose the right limits and game variations for your bankroll.

You can also improve your poker skills by studying other players’ gameplay and understanding what makes them tick. It’s important to recognise and understand their tells – unconscious habits that reveal information about your opponent’s hand, such as body language or eye contact.

How to read your opponent

Many new players get tunnel vision, focusing on their own hand rather than what their opponent could have. This is not always a good thing, as it can lead to a wrong decision.

If you’re a new player, it’s a good idea to focus on what your opponent bets pre-flop and the board. This will give you a better understanding of what their range is and how strong their hand might be.

When you have a hand that’s a strong fit for your opponent’s range, bet or raise to price their worse hands out of the pot. If you don’t think they have a hand that fits your range, fold.

It’s also a good idea to develop a specific strategy for each type of game you play. This can be done through detailed self-examination, or by discussing your hand and playing style with others.