Poker is a mind game that puts your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It is a game that also indirectly teaches many valuable life lessons.
One of the most important things poker teaches you is to be honest with yourself about your own skill level and not get carried away. Trying to beat players above your skill level can be a huge waste of time and money. It is also important to play only with money that you are willing to lose and keep track of your wins and losses.
Observing experienced players can help you learn more about the game and develop your own quick instincts. Observe their mistakes and how they handle challenging situations, and try to incorporate successful elements into your own play style.
As with most things in life, the more you practice poker, the better you will become. By watching and playing with experienced dealers, you will quickly gain a knack for how to act at the table, deal cards and manage the chips in the pot.
A good dealer will be able to detect bad behavior or gameplay etiquette and quickly pipe up to resolve the issue. They will be able to warn players who are flouting gameplay rules and even call over the floor man when necessary. They will also be able to ensure that the betting intervals for each player are paced properly so that all of the players have an equal opportunity to place their bets in the pot.