A game of poker requires a table, cards and chips. The number of chips each player purchases is known as his bankroll, and he must not gamble more than he is willing to lose. If he does, he must withdraw and wait until he is ready to lose that amount again before playing another hand. Generally, a player should buy in for at least 200 chips. A white chip is worth one unit, a red chip is worth five units, and a blue or dark-colored chip is worth 10 units.

Observe experienced players to develop quick instincts. This can help you determine how the other players will react in different situations. Identify conservative players by their tendency to fold early and aggressive players by their willingness to raise a bet.

Top players often fast-play strong hands. This allows them to build the pot and chase off other players who might have a better hand. It is also important to remember that you should play the opponent, not your cards.

A player should always try to get his money into the pot as a statistical favorite. This will ensure that he wins more than he loses over the long run. However, he should realize that it is impossible to win every hand and shouldn’t take losses personally. A player should also focus on learning one poker variant, rather than trying to master several at once. This will save time and reduce the risk of making mistakes.