Poker is an addicting and fun card game. The element of chance makes it more lifelike than most sports, and the ability to become a force at your table is deeply satisfying (although you have to be willing to work hard).
Before playing, there are a few things you need to know about poker rules and strategy. First, there are a few basic rules that are universally accepted to the game.
The first thing is that you should always play your best hand, meaning the one that offers the highest odds of winning. Usually this means a pair, or three of a kind. However, if you are trying to be conservative and play for the money, it’s okay to sit out a few hands if necessary, but don’t miss too many — you need to put your money in the pot!
Secondly, you should learn how to read other players and watch for tells. These are little bits of information that your opponents give away when they call, check, or raise a bet. These tells can let you know whether they have a strong or weak hand, or even that they are bluffing!
Another excellent resource is the book ‘Poker Math for Advanced Players’ by Matt Janda. While it is not a quick or easy read, this book dives into the mathematical side of the game and explores concepts like balance, frequencies, and ranges. It’s a great way to refine the information you learn in the One Percent course and build a complete approach to the game.