How to Play Poker Like a Pro
One or more players make forced bets (usually the small and big blind) before the dealer shuffles and deals cards to the table. Players then have the option of calling, raising or folding. Depending on the game, there may be several betting rounds and cards are dealt face-up or face-down. At the end of each round, all the bets are added to a central pot.
Learn how to read the board, especially the flop. This will allow you to know what hands your opponents have and when they can beat you. Also, the more you understand how the numbers work in poker, like frequencies and EV estimation, the better player you’ll become.
Position is Important
If you play conservatively, stronger players will bully you in the game. They’ll see you as easy pickings and they’ll push and raise you into submission. However, if you take more risks and bet more aggressively, they’ll think twice about going head-to-head against you.
Always try to reduce the number of players in a hand by raising pre-flop. This way you’re less likely to get beaten on later streets by someone who doesn’t belong in the hand with an unlucky flop. For example, if you have AQ and the other players limp pre-flop, you can raise to force them to fold and avoid being dominated by someone with a worse hand.