Poker is a game that involves both chance and skill. It is a card game in which the objective is to use cards in a hand to make the best possible five-card poker hand, or to convince other players that you have a good hand. Despite being considered a game of chance, it can be beaten with a large degree of skill, which will virtually eliminate the variance of luck.
The first step is to get familiar with the rules of poker. This can be done by playing the game with friends and reading books on the subject. It is also a good idea to start at lower stakes, which minimizes financial risk and allows you to experiment with strategies without feeling the pressure of losing money.
Once you have mastered the basic rules of poker, it is time to study some charts to learn what hands beat each other. This is important because you will need to know what the probability is of getting certain cards. For example, a flush is 5 consecutive cards of the same suit. A full house is 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A straight is 5 cards of consecutive ranks. A high card breaks ties.
It is also a good idea to practice your game as often as possible. This will allow you to build up your confidence and improve your decision-making process. You can use hand history tracking software to analyze your decisions and identify areas for improvement. Also, try to avoid distractions during practice sessions.