Poker is a game of strategy and skill that takes advantage of other players’ reactions to determine the outcome. It is a great way to spend time with friends or make some extra cash! However, like any game of chance, it can be dangerous to your bankroll. If you want to play poker safely, follow these tips to help you avoid losing too much money!

KILL ALL LOSING HANDS BEFORE PUSHING THE POT… If you see that your opponents have conceded their hands to the winner, kill those hands by turning them down where they lie and pulling them into the muck. This prevents other players from misreading your action and potentially misunderstanding what you mean when you “push the pot.”

GET TO KNOW YOUR COMPETITION… Study the styles of experienced players to learn how they react under different situations. This will allow you to develop your own instincts faster. Eventually you will find that the more you play, the better your instincts become!

BE TRANSPARENT WITH CHIP MANIPULATION… Spread the chips in the pot and say “I open” when opening a bet. You should also narrate your actions as you move them around the table. This will prevent others from seeing you palming and avoid a dispute down the road.

Keep a file of hands that are relevant to your topic, and review them often. This will help you build a foundation for your book. It will also show you what your competition is doing, and how to beat them.