Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves strategy and psychology. It is a game of skill that requires good decision making and a lot of practice.

One thing that many new players do wrong is getting too attached to their good hands. This can be very costly. Pocket kings or queens may seem strong, but the flop could kill them. If you’re holding these types of hands, the best option is to check as your opponent will bet aggressively, putting you in a tough spot with a weak hand.

Another mistake is playing too passively and calling with marginal hands. A strong player should be raising to price out the worse hands, leaving them a better chance of winning the pot. Then, they can fold if the flop doesn’t improve their hand.

Finally, new players should learn to read other players. This can be a difficult task, but it is important to know when your opponent has a strong hand or a weak hand. Most of the time, reading your opponents doesn’t come from subtle physical poker tells; it comes from patterns that you see throughout their play. If they are always betting, this means they have a strong hand, while if they’re folding frequently then it is likely that they have a weaker hold. By observing your opponents you can develop quick instincts and become a better player. This is especially true when you’re playing in a high stakes game.