The game of poker involves a significant amount of chance but it is also a very skill-based game. The most successful players understand and are able to calculate the odds of a given situation and then make decisions in accordance with those odds and the psychology of other players. The divide between break-even beginner players and big-time winners is often just a few small adjustments that can be learned over time.
The game begins with a forced bet, usually an ante or blind bet (or both). Players then shuffle the cards and one player is designated by the rules of the particular game as having the privilege or obligation to place the first bet into the pot. Players then follow in turn, placing chips into the pot according to the rules of their variant.
When all players have raised at least the smallest bet, the flop is dealt. At this point, players must decide whether to call, raise or fold. The best hand wins the pot. A winning hand must consist of at least a pair of distinct cards or three unmatched cards. In the case of a tie, the highest card breaks it.
Sticking with your study plan is one of the most important aspects of being a successful poker player. You need to spend a large chunk of your free time reading, watching videos and practicing. Too many players jump around their studies, trying to ingest too much information at once. They watch a cbet video on Monday, read a 3bet article on Tuesday and a tilt management podcast on Wednesday.