Poker is a card game in which players place chips (representing money) into a pot based on their decisions that are made mainly on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory. A player may also make a bet based on bluffing and other strategic factors, but the outcome of any given hand significantly involves chance.
A basic winning poker strategy includes playing in position versus your opponents. By playing in position you can see your opponent’s actions before you decide how to act and this can give you key insights into his hand strength. Another benefit of playing in position is that you can control the size of the pot. If your opponent checks to you with a marginally made hand, you can check also and continue in the hand for cheaper on subsequent streets (turn and river).
Observe the other players at the table and study their style. This will help you develop quick instincts and improve your own poker skills. You should try to play poker with other people who share your passion for the game and have similar skill levels so that you can compete against them in a fair way.
One of the most common mistakes new poker players make is to fold their hands too early. This is a mistake because many times the flop can transform your trashy hand into a monster. Rather than folding your hands, wait for a situation where the poker odds are in your favour and bet aggressively.