Poker is a card game that involves a significant amount of chance, but which also requires a high degree of raw technical skill. As such, it is a competitive skill game that can be improved by studying optimal frequencies and hand ranges in different situations, and incorporating those insights into your betting strategy.
You can learn a lot about poker by reading articles and books by experts in the game. Whether you are a raw beginner or an advanced player, it is always good to read about poker on a regular basis, as it helps keep your mind sharp and improves your technical skills.
Another important aspect of poker is being able to read your opponents. This includes paying attention to subtle physical poker tells, such as body language and betting behavior. For example, if a player frequently calls and then suddenly makes a big raise it may indicate that they are holding a strong hand.
It is important to have friends that understand the game and can help you improve your play. Although talking poker with anybody can be beneficial, you will usually get more insight and advice from those who are better players than you. On the other hand, it is best to avoid chatting with people who are weaker than you or do not know the game as well. This can distract you and give away information that might be helpful to your opponents. This type of chatting is called bad form in poker.