Poker is a card game that’s fun to play with friends and can be addictive. There are a few things to remember before you start playing. These tips will help you make better decisions and become a winning player.

When you’re new to the game, it’s best to start out conservatively and at low stakes. This will let you observe players and learn their tendencies without risking too much money. As you gain experience, open your hand ranges and start mixing up your play a bit. You can also study preflop range charts to learn how to read opponents quickly. Observing experienced players and thinking about how you would react in their position is another good way to build your instincts.

In addition to playing tight, you must commit to smart game selection. Look for games that are profitable and appropriate for your bankroll. If a game isn’t fun or you feel tired or frustrated, don’t continue playing. You’ll likely end up losing money in the long run.

The final stage of the game is called the river. This is when the 5th community card is revealed. Then, players can place bets again, and the player with the highest hand wins the pot. The best hands in poker are a straight, a flush, three of a kind, and two pair. A straight is five cards of consecutive rank in the same suit, while a flush is five cards of the same rank but from different suits.