Poker is a game of strategy where it pays to have a massive arsenal of weapons. Unlike most table games, a single mistake at the wrong moment can cost you a fortune. That’s why you need not just a plan B but also plans C, D, E and F. This will help you keep your opponent off balance and ensure that he doesn’t get the faintest idea of how you play.
To begin with, it is recommended that you start off at the lowest stakes available to you. This will allow you to practice against weak opponents and learn the fundamentals of the game without having to donate your money to more skilled players. As you progress you can then move up to the higher stakes and continue to play versus stronger players while your own skill level increases.
During each betting round the player with the strongest hand wins the pot/all bets placed. Initially, each player has two personal cards which are known as their hole cards. The dealer then deals a third card face up on the table called the flop. Once the flop has been dealt everyone gets another chance to check/raise/fold.
Top players tend to fast-play strong hands as this will build the pot and potentially chase off other players who are holding draws that might beat your hand. Conversely, if you are limping into the pot you will be sending out strong signals to your rivals that you don’t have a very strong hand.