When you play poker, it is important to understand hand strength. The stronger your hand, the better your chance of winning. The strongest hands include a full house (3 matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank, such as three jacks and two 4s), a flush (5 consecutive cards of the same suit, such as Q, 10, 7, 6, and 2 of clubs), and four of a kind (two identical cards plus two additional unmatched cards).
The best way to learn about poker is by playing it. It is essential to practice your game on a regular basis and watch other players to develop quick instincts. It is also helpful to study your own play and observe how successful you are at the tables.
It is also important to pay attention to your opponents. You can often gain valuable information about their strategies by studying subtle physical tells such as a hand over the mouth, flaring nostrils, shaking hands, and blinking eyes.
Once you have a solid understanding of basic poker rules, it is time to learn more about strategy. There are a lot of resources available to help you improve your poker skills, including online courses and books. In addition, joining a poker community can be very beneficial as there are often thousands of other people trying to learn the game just like you. Find a group that will support you and motivate you to continue to study and progress up the stakes.