Poker is a card game that involves a lot of chance, but it also relies on a good deal of skill. It’s important to practice the basics of the game, and learn how to read other players. You can do this by studying their body language and other tells, which are unconscious habits that reveal information about the player’s hand. These can be as simple as a change in posture or facial expression.

Before the cards are dealt, each player must place an initial amount of money into the pot called a blind bet. This is mandatory and helps create a large pot for betting. Players then have the option to call, raise or fold.

Once the first two cards have been dealt, a round of betting occurs. Then the dealer places three community cards on the table as the flop. Then there is another round of betting. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

Just says that one of the most important skills for poker is learning how to take risks. But she suggests new players start by taking smaller risks in lower-stakes situations and build up their comfort level. She adds that it’s also important to learn how to manage risk—if you see your odds of a winning hand decreasing, it might be time to walk away.