If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to practice watching how others play. This can help you develop your instincts. The more you watch, the better you’ll become. If you’re not a pro, watch the way seasoned players play and pay attention to the strategy they use. That way, you can learn from their mistakes. Ultimately, it’s best to have your own strategy, but it helps to learn from others as well.
To play the game, you’ll need poker chips. If there are seven or more players, the dealer will supply the chips. There are five types of poker chips. The lowest-valued chip is the white one. There are also red and blue chips. The white chip is the lowest value, while the red chip is worth two, four, or five of the same color. To begin the game, each player will “buy in” by purchasing a chip. Most players will buy in at the same value.
One way to determine your starting hand is to check the pot. A suited hand is a hand in which two or more cards have the same suit. This is a great starting hand, as you’ll be playing against someone with a statistical advantage. Then, you’ll need to make a “call” to continue playing the game. If you have a hand that’s too low to qualify for a straight, a one-gapper is your best bet.