The game of poker relies heavily on reading the other players at the table, as well as changing your strategy based on how they play. It is also a game of chance, but the more you practice and watch others play, the better your instincts will become.
After the cards are dealt, betting begins. Each player can choose to hit, stay, or double up. If you have a high value card, like two 3s, and your opponent has a low card, then it is usually best to stay. If you have a low value card, such as a 2 or 3 with a face, then it is generally best to hit.
Once the flop is revealed, there is more information about what each player has in their hand. You can guess what other players have in their hands by their betting behavior. For example, if someone raises after seeing the flop, they likely have a strong hand and want to build the pot. Likewise, if someone checks after the flop, they probably have a weaker hand and are trying to get lucky.
Identifying players as conservative or aggressive will help you determine their betting patterns and read them more easily. Typically, very conservative players will fold early in the hand, while aggressive players will bet often and are more easily bluffed. Learning how to read other players will help you understand the game and improve your chances of winning more money.
