Poker is a game that puts your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It’s also a great way to socialize with friends and enjoy some entertainment. The strategic thinking and decision-making required to succeed at poker can have a positive impact on many aspects of your life, both professionally and personally.

There’s no doubt that learning to play poker takes a lot of time and effort. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about how quickly you can become an expert at this complex game. You’ll need to supplement your game time with reading, training sessions and other learning methods in order to become a better player.

One of the most common mistakes that new players make is limping too often preflop. This is a risky strategy because it can leave you exposed to a bet and could lead to getting pot-committed to a weak hand on the turn or river. The correct approach is to either fold or raise – limping can be a very costly mistake.

Another mistake that new players make is not calculating the probability of hitting their draws when making their decisions. It’s important to balance the odds of hitting your draw against the pot size and your expected return, so you can make the best decision about whether or not to call or fold. This is an essential skill that can be developed by observing experienced players and considering how they would react in a similar situation to yourself.