Poker is a highly popular table game the world over. Many people play it in a professional or casual capacity. However, those who play in a casual way such as with friends or at a party may not know some of the intricacies of the game, or they may simply wish to improve their play in some way. Here are a few of the basics that can help a beginner player improve their game. Poker is easy to learn but harder to master. There are also numerous versions that all vary slightly in their game play. However, there are basics which apply across all poker variants and it is these that will be outlined here. The first, and most important step, is to find a safe place to play and more information on that can be found here. Once you’ve found your site you need to learn the general rules. This includes knowing what all the potential winning hands are, from a high card or pair through to a Royal Flush. Players should know all of these and also their order of value. It is also important to understand other general rules such as how the game is played – how many cards the dealer will deal to each player, are there community cards, which cards are face up etc. these rules will vary depending on the game type being played. Beginners should also brush up on their knowledge of the different versions and decide which game to play. Calling, folding and raising are relatively the same in all types, but learning the details for each will go a long way to improving one’s game. Once the rules are grasped then new players will have the chance to learn small tips and techniques that will help improve their gameplay even further. These can include things such as knowing when, where and how to bluff – quick tip, don’t bluff all the time. Experienced players will catch a newcomer out in an instant. At the end of the day, like anything else, to become better at poker requires time, patience and practice.