How to Play Poker Like an Expert

Poker is a card game where skill plays a big part. The best players know how to read the other players at their table and change their strategy accordingly. They also use their knowledge of math and odds to make informed decisions. They can calculate pot odds and percentages quickly and quietly. They also have patience and can read non-verbal cues from the other players.

Poker can be fast-paced, so it’s important to keep your eyes open and be ready to react to the cards that are dealt. If a player raises their bets suddenly, it’s a good indication that they may have a strong hand. Watch for tells like flinches, smiles and other body language as well.

If you have a premium opening hand like a pair of kings or queens, bet aggressively from the start. If you have a middle or bottom pair, you can still win the pot with a good call but don’t be afraid to fold if you’re not sure.

Advanced players will assign a range of hands to each opponent and try to figure out the chances that they have one of those hands. This will give them the confidence to play aggressively, knowing that they have the best possible chance of winning a particular hand. A newcomer will often put out a single hand and act on their gut feeling. This can result in them losing their bankroll in double-quick time!