Poker is a game that requires a lot of concentration. One wrong move can result in a huge loss so players must be attentive to the cards and their opponents. They also need to be able to pick up on tells, changes in attitude and body language. This level of observation requires a high degree of focus and attention which is why poker is a great game to develop your concentration levels.

During the betting round each player puts in his or her chips into the pot. Once everyone has called the dealer deals three cards face up on the table that anyone can use, this is called the flop. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

A good strategy is to play strong value hands like AK or AQ and raise preflop. This will price all the worse hands out of the pot, and you’ll be rewarded with more money. A limp is generally not the right play with these hands, and you should always be folding if you’re not confident in your hand.

Seat selection is also an important part of a winning poker strategy. If you’re playing against aggressive players, then try to be on their left as often as possible (easier in a live setting). This will give you full freedom to maximise your EV. Another important tip is to review past hands that you played and analyse why you won or lost. This can be done by taking notes or using software.