Poker is a game of chance and risk where players bet chips in the hope that they will win. It has many variations, but the basic mechanics remain the same: each player puts in a small amount of money (the blind or ante) and then is dealt cards that they keep hidden from their opponents. There are then rounds of betting, and whoever has the highest ranked hand when the cards are revealed wins the pot (all the chips that have been bet).
If you’re new to poker, it’s best to start at the lowest stakes possible. This will allow you to play against weaker opponents and learn the game while not donating money to better players who will eventually beat you. This will also help you develop your skills faster and move up the stakes much sooner.
But even if you’re a strong player, the game will still throw bad beats at you from time to time. That’s why it’s important to have a solid mental game. Watch videos of Phil Ivey playing and notice how he never gets upset after a bad beat. He has a great mindset, and that’s why he’s one of the world’s best poker players.