In poker, the goal is to form the best possible hand based on the cards in order to win the pot at the end of each betting round. You can do this by having the highest-ranking hand, or by forcing other players to fold with a good bluff. The latter requires the ability to read your opponents’ actions, which includes paying attention to subtle physical poker tells. This is a skill that can be learned over time, but it’s important to take small risks early on to build your comfort level with risk-taking.

Another thing poker teaches you is that aggression can be your greatest weapon. This can help you recoup some of the money you’ve lost in bad sessions and keep you competitive when you’re playing your best. However, you must learn when to put your foot down and not let your emotions get the better of you.

Finally, poker teaches you the importance of studying the game’s rules. This is particularly important in the beginning when you’re learning about the betting process and how hands beat each other. For example, knowing that a flush beats a straight and three of a kind beats two pair is crucial for success in poker.

If you can’t figure out how to play a specific hand, study the odds and draw probabilities to make an informed decision. It’s also helpful to watch experienced players and consider how they’d react in the same situation to help you develop your instincts.