In poker, players place an initial amount of money into the pot before each hand is dealt. This is called a forced bet. The goal is to form a winning hand based on the card rankings, which will earn the player the pot. The amount of money in the pot varies depending on how many players have placed a bet and their relative position at the table.
A good rule of thumb is to bet when you think your hand is better than your opponent’s, and to raise when your opponents are likely bluffing. However, the way in which you make these decisions is just as important as the decision itself. Each bet, call, and check communicates bits of information to your opponents as they build a story about you. Your job is to try to send signals that are the opposite of their intentions – showing strength when they think you’re weak, and weakness when they think you’re strong.
How long it takes to get good at poker is a complex question, and largely dependent on the stakes you play and your dedication to learning. However, with a reasonable amount of dedication and focus most people should be able to achieve success at lower stakes in a matter of months.
Trying to be the best player at the highest stakes is going to take much longer, and will require a substantial investment of both time and money. Regardless of your level, it is worth making a habit of reviewing your hands after every session to identify areas where you could improve.