Poker is a game of chance, but it also requires some skill and psychology. You have to be able to minimize losses with bad hands and maximize winnings with good ones. Moreover, the game also calls for a high degree of discipline and focus. You should always be thinking about how you can make your next move better than your last one.
A good player knows when to play a hand and when to fold. For example, a face card paired with a low kicker is not a strong enough hand to call a bet and risk losing all of your chips. Also, a low card in a flush or straight is not a great hand to hold.
The most important thing to remember when playing poker is that position dictates nearly everything. You should play tighter when you’re on the button, and looser when you’re in the blinds or in late position. The reason is that those who are in position get to see the betting action before anyone else. This gives them a clear advantage over those who are out of position, and it’s one of the keys to success in this game.
One of the most common mistakes poker players make is getting overly excited after a win. It’s fine to be happy about a big win, but you shouldn’t let it overshadow the many times you’ve lost a large amount of money. Watch videos of Phil Ivey, and notice how he never gets upset after a bad beat.