Poker is a game of chance, but you can increase your chances of winning by making smart decisions and learning from the mistakes of other players. The divide between break-even beginner players and big-time winners is often not as wide as people think. It is usually just a few small adjustments that beginners make in the way they look at the game that makes all the difference between breaking even and being able to consistently win money.

The first step in improving your poker strategy is to observe the actions of other players at the table and study their playing styles. This will give you a clear idea of how to play the game and what kind of hands are most likely to be successful. You can also ask experienced players to take a look at your hand histories and strategy and provide feedback. Observing your opponents will help you develop your own style and learn from their mistakes.

It is also important to be able to read the other players’ emotions and watch for tells. These can be as simple as fiddling with their chips or a ring, but they can also include the way a player plays their cards and how they act when it is their turn to call a bet. Beginners should be especially observant for these tells because they can be very profitable.

When it is your turn to act, you can either “call” the previous player’s bet and put the same amount of chips in the pot, raise your own bet, or fold. By raising, you can put more money into the pot and force weaker players to call. This gives you bluff equity and makes it easier for you to get value bets.