The game of poker is a great way to spend time with friends. If you are looking to play poker online, you can choose from many different sites. Each site offers a variety of games, including Texas Hold’em. You can also choose from various table limits and tournaments. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with lower stakes until you have learned the basics of the game.

A good starting point is to read poker books and watch poker videos on YouTube. However, it is important to remember that reading and watching is only half the battle. You have to actually practice your skills at the tables to improve your game. If you don’t have time to play every day, look for an online poker club that hosts live tournaments.

Generally, the first person to act during a betting round in poker is the player to the left of the button (dealer). When that player makes a bet, everyone else must either “call” by putting into the pot the same amount that the player raised or they can “raise,” meaning that they put more than the previous player’s bet and thus take control of the action.

If you’re in late position and have a solid hand, bet it! This will help you win more money by putting your opponents on the defensive. It’s also much easier to conceal your hand strength in late positions. Say you have pocket fives and the flop is A-8-5. People will have a hard time putting you on that specific hand and are likely to assume that you have a pair of aces.

You can also use your position to make bluffs when the odds are in your favor. This is especially true in late position, where you can usually manipulate the pot more on later betting streets. This is because you have more information about your opponents’ hands and can make more accurate value bets.

One of the most important things to understand in poker is the concept of “ranges.” Beginners often think about a hand in isolation and try to put their opponent on a particular hand. Advanced players will attempt to figure out their opponent’s range and adjust accordingly. For example, they will look for an opponent who likes to call a bet with top pair, middle pair, bottom pair, and ace-high.