If you want to become a successful poker player you need to know some basic rules. The first rule is to play only with money you can afford to lose. This will allow you to learn the game without having to worry about losing too much. During your poker game, you should also keep track of all your wins and losses. This will help you determine whether or not you are winning money in the long run.

Another important rule is to always stay in position. This will give you more information than your opponents and make it easier to bluff. In addition, playing in late position will allow you to make better value bets. Lastly, you should avoid playing at tables with strong players. Although it is tempting to try and learn something from a strong player, it is usually going to cost you a large amount of money in the long run.

Lastly, you should always take your time to think about your decisions. This is one of the biggest mistakes that even advanced players make. They often rush their decisions which leads to a loss of money. Taking your time will help you develop quick instincts and improve your chances of winning at poker.

In the beginning, it is recommended to start at a low limit table. This will allow you to practice against weak players and improve your skills. You can then move up the stakes as you gain experience. However, it is important to remember that your skill level will increase every time you move up a stake. Therefore, starting at a low level will prevent you from giving away too much money to stronger players.

You should always pay attention to the other players at the table. Some players like to watch TV shows or scroll their phones while they are playing. This is a big mistake, as you should be focused on the game. By watching the other players, you can find out what kind of hands they have and predict how they will bet. This will help you decide if you should call or raise their bets.

It is important to remember that there is a lot of luck in poker. Even the best players will lose from time to time. However, the top players are able to overcome this short term luck and continue to win. Therefore, you should try to focus on the long term success of your poker career.

Finally, it is crucial to have a good bankroll management strategy. This will ensure that you never lose more than you can afford to. A good rule of thumb is to only play with an amount that you can comfortably afford to lose in 200 bets at the highest limit. It is also a good idea to track your wins and losses so you can see if you are winning or losing in the long run.