Poker is a card game where players place chips in the pot to win a hand. The cards are dealt face down and there is a round of betting before the flop, turn, and river. There are many variations of this game, but Texas hold’em is the most popular and best known. Other games include Omaha, Dr Pepper, Crazy Pineapple, and Cincinnati.

The first step to becoming a better poker player is to learn the rules of the game. It is important to know the order of the winning hands and the different types of bets that can be made. You should also understand how to deal the cards and shuffle them properly. It is also necessary to be able to read your opponents. This will allow you to identify conservative players who will fold their hands easily and aggressive players that will often bet high.

Once you have mastered the basic rules of the game, it is time to start learning about preflop strategy. The best way to do this is by joining an online poker training site that offers structured courses on preflop and post-flop play. This will give you a framework to follow as you work your way up the ranks and will avoid you jumping from one topic to another, which can be very distracting and difficult for new players.

One of the biggest mistakes that beginner poker players make is being too passive with their draws. Good players will fast-play their strong hands, which will build the pot and chase off other players who are waiting for a card that could beat theirs.