Poker is a game of strategy and luck. It’s also a great way to socialize with friends while making some money on the side. This is an excellent part time hobby for anyone who enjoys playing cards and has a few spare hours in the week.

The first thing to do is read a few poker guides and start learning the basics of the game. It’s important to understand the rules, types of poker and how the betting works before you try to win real money.

It’s also a good idea to keep a poker diary while you play. This will help you remember key concepts and allow you to analyze your own game. The best place to find these resources is on the internet, with a few clicks you can find all of the information you need.

Another essential skill for beginner players is understanding ranges. This allows players to estimate what cards their opponent is holding, and how strong or weak their hand is. This makes it easier to know when to call or fold.

Lastly, always bet or raise if you have a strong hand. It’s tempting to limp, but it is usually much better to be more assertive and raise. This will price all the worse hands out of the pot and make it more profitable to call when you have a strong hand. This is a great strategy to follow when you are trying to build a strong winning streak.