With a little guidance and practice, you can learn to play poker well enough to win real money. But you’ll also need to develop some strong skills, such as bankroll management and smart game selection. You need to commit to playing only the games that will provide a profitable learning opportunity. You should also have the discipline to stay focused and not let a big loss crush your confidence. Watch videos of Phil Ivey and other top pros to see how they handle bad beats.

One of the most important things to keep in mind about official poker is that luck plays a large part in the game. If you are lucky, you’ll make a lot of money, but if you’re unlucky, your bankroll will go down quickly.

The game of poker has grown into an international phenomenon, with players from all over the world competing in tournaments and cash games. Because of this, it’s essential that all players agree on a set of rules. The International Poker Federation has compiled a list of 81 rules that should be followed in any game of poker. These rules are available online and can help avoid a majority of disputes that may arise during a game.

Another important rule is that a player’s verbal declaration of an action is binding. This includes announcing your intention to call, raise, or fold. In addition, it’s vital that you protect your cards by placing your hand or chips on top of them. You should also be able to identify your opponent’s gameplay so that you can plan your strategy accordingly.