Poker is played with cards and chips. Each player places an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. This is called a buy in and can be anywhere from 1 to 25 chips. The player who puts the most in becomes the first dealer, and ties are broken by having the person to their left cut the cards after they’ve been shuffled.

The game is generally played in Pot Limit, which means each player can raise a maximum of the size of the current pot. This makes it harder for opponents to play back at you and gives you more control over the pot size. It also helps you get more value out of strong hands by inflating the pot size.

Another key aspect of the game is learning how to read your opponents. This can be done by studying tells, which are physical cues that reveal the strength of a player’s hand. For example, a player who fiddles with their chips may be nervous and holding a strong hand. Conversely, a player who makes an early river call may be holding a weaker one.

Lastly, it’s important to understand variance, which is the source of bad beats and suck-outs. While poker is mostly a skill game, luck still determines a large percentage of the outcomes. The best way to combat this is through bankroll management, which ensures that when you do lose a few buy-ins in a row, it doesn’t jeopardize your ability to play.