Poker is a game of cards in which players wager money against each other. Each player has a set amount of chips, and the best hand wins. The rules of poker differ from game to game, but there are some basics that every player must understand.

The first rule of poker is to play only with money you are willing to lose. This is especially important if you are a beginner. Poker can be a mentally taxing game, and you need to be in the right mood to play. If you feel frustration, fatigue or anger building up, it is best to quit the session immediately. You will likely save yourself a lot of money by doing so.

Another important rule is to study the game. You should learn the basic rules and hand rankings. It is also helpful to understand the impact of position. For example, you should know when to fold a weak hand and when to raise a strong one.

Beginners should also avoid playing too many hands. It is a good idea to only play the top 20% of hands in a six-player game or 15% in a ten-player game. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and increase your winnings. Additionally, beginners should always raise their bets when they have a strong hand. If they limp, their opponents will often call their bets. This is not a good strategy for winning in the long run.