Poker is a card game played between two or more players. It is a game of chance and skill where the player’s knowledge of their opponent’s actions is essential to success. It is a game of high risk and low reward, where bluffing is an integral part of the strategy. It is considered a psychological game, and good poker players are expert at extracting signal from noise.

In the beginning, beginners should play tight and avoid playing crazy hands. A good rule of thumb is to only play the top 20% of hands in a six-player game and 15% in a ten-player game.

As the game progresses, beginners can start to play more aggressively. This means raising the pot and showing strength in a hand. It is also important to keep the pot clear and not mix or stack chips. This makes it easier to reconstruct the action of a hand.

Position is another key factor to consider. It is generally better to act later in the hand, because players behind you will have more information about your hand before they act. This will help them make a decision faster and more accurately.

When it is your turn to act, be sure to call any bets in front of you. This will allow you to see the next card and potentially make a stronger hand. If you can’t call, raise instead of checking. This will keep your opponents guessing about whether you have a strong hand.