Poker is not just a game of luck. It is also a game of storytelling where every action gives the opponent bits of information that they use to build a picture about your hand and theirs. Whether you bet, call, or check, your actions tell your opponents if you have a strong hand or a weak one and how much risk you are willing to take with your own. This information can be used to make good calls or bad ones, and it is why every action must be considered carefully.

Starting at lower stakes minimizes financial risk, allowing you to make mistakes and experiment with strategies without too much pressure. Ensure that you take the time to review your play after each practice session and identify areas for improvement. Look for patterns, leaks in your strategy, and opportunities to improve your decision making process.

Playing your premium hands correctly preflop will put you in a lot of easier spots post flop. This will prevent you from running into difficult hands like a flush beats two pair or three of a kind beats four of a kind.

It is important to manage your bankroll well and limit the amount of money you can lose. This will help you prepare for variance and avoid the risk of losing so much that it threatens your ability to continue playing this addictive game. You can do this by sticking to a bankroll management strategy and implementing profit goals for your games.