Poker is a game that requires a lot of brain power and concentration. It’s a game that can help you improve a number of different skills, including emotional control. It can also teach you how to think critically and solve problems.

The first step in learning how to play poker is understanding the rules of the game. Once you know these, it’s important to practice your mental game. This can help you make better decisions and avoid making bad ones. It will also help you become more confident at the tables.

In addition, it’s important to learn what hands to play and which ones to fold. This will help you maximize your winning potential. For example, if you have a high pair like A-K and the flop comes out J-J-5, it will likely be a good idea to fold. This is because a low kicker can ruin your entire hand.

It’s also a good idea to study a few charts that show which hands beat others. This will be a huge benefit when you start playing. It will allow you to remember what hands are better than others and it’ll save you time when trying to figure out how to play your cards.