Poker is a card game with millions of fans. It is a game of chance, but it also involves skill and psychology. To succeed in this game, it is important to understand the fundamentals of starting hands and position. In addition, players should be familiar with the game’s betting structure and lingo. They should also work on their mental game by preparing themselves for bad luck and downswings.

When playing poker, bluffing is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal. You can use it to make your opponents think you have a strong hand, which will lead them to call or raise your bet. It’s also important to know when to fold. If you don’t have the cards to beat a player, don’t continue throwing good money after bad.

The first step is to build your poker bankroll. This is the only way you can prepare for variance and protect yourself from losing too much money. It will take time, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Once you’ve built your bankroll, you should focus on building your skill and avoiding leaks. Eventually, you will be able to create consistent profits in your home games versus friends. This is when you can start making a nice part time income from poker.