How to Improve Your Poker Hands

Poker is a game of skill that requires dedication, patience and discipline. Successful players develop a strategy and stick to it, but they also continually refine their play to improve. This includes studying the game’s theory and practicing specific hands. It also means learning to read an opponent’s betting habits and learning how to spot tells.

One of the most difficult things to learn is how to read an opponent’s hands. A full house contains three cards of the same rank, a straight five cards of consecutive rank, and a flush four cards of the same suit. Getting to know the range of hands your opponent can have will help you make more sound decisions, and this is something that many poker players struggle with.

A good way to develop this skill is to practice by watching professional poker players on Twitch or on YouTube. Try to imagine how you would react in their shoes, and then compare your response to how they actually played the hand. This will give you a good feel for the game and allow you to develop your instincts faster.

Tight poker players are the most common opponents, so it’s essential that you know how to beat them. Watch for their leaks and exploit them. For example, if you notice that they fold early on the preflop, raise their bets before the flop. This will expose their weakness and force them to call your bets with junk hands.