Poker is one of the most challenging games to master. It’s a game of skill, chance, and psychology. The element of luck can either bolster or tank even the best players, so learning to play smart is key. It takes discipline and patience to stick to your plan, especially when your opponent is attempting to distract you with subtle tells. It also takes a lot of practice to be able to read other players’ emotions and body language. Luckily, there are some tricks to help you out.

Before the hand begins, players put in a mandatory bet (known as the blind or ante) which is then used to place chips into the pot for betting. Once everyone has 2 cards in their hands, a second round of betting is held after the dealer puts down the flop. This is when you’ll want to be able to see how strong your opponents’ hands are.

A good way to do this is by being in position to act last. This gives you a better idea of how your opponents will react to certain situations, and you can make more accurate bets with a higher percentage of winning. For example, if someone has a good pair of pocket kings and an ace on the flop, it’s likely they’ll be bluffing. In this case, you can raise to entice them into a bluff and possibly beat their pair of weaker cards. This is called “position equity.” It’s important to remember that you can bet against your opponents’ hands as well, not just their bluffs!