In poker, the object is to form a high-ranking hand from your own cards and those of your opponents in order to win the pot at the end of each betting round. This can be done by having the highest-ranking hand, or by raising your stakes enough that no other players call, leading them to fold. In general, it is better to raise when you have a strong hand and to fold when your hand is weak.
One of the most important lessons to learn is that there will always be uncertainty in poker. This is true in life as well, and the only way to make wise decisions under uncertainty is to estimate probabilities of different scenarios. This is why it is critical to understand the probability of being dealt a certain card, and how this compares to the probabilities of your opponents also holding that card.
Another key skill to develop is the ability to read your opponents. There are many books written on the subject, and everyone from psychologists to law enforcement officers have discussed the importance of reading facial expressions and body language. In poker, it is especially important to read your opponent’s reactions to the cards you and they see. Pay attention to how they flinch, smile, blink, and look away when you reveal your cards.
Finally, a big part of being successful in poker (and in life) is not giving up. You may not start off with the best starting hand, but it is still possible to get much further than others who started out with a stronger foundation.