Poker is a game that involves some luck, but it also requires a lot of mental toughness. Watch videos of Phil Ivey playing, and you’ll notice that he doesn’t get upset when he loses – and he also doesn’t get too excited after winning (unless he wins a World Series of Poker bracelet or another major event, of course). The point is that if you want to become a serious poker player, you need to be prepared to accept both the good and the bad.
Learning how to read other players is crucial in poker. This includes observing their physical tells, but it also includes analyzing their betting patterns and reading their body language. It’s important to learn how to spot an opponent’s tells in order to understand their thought process and predict what hand they have. This will allow you to make better decisions when it comes to bluffing and making big bets.
One of the most important lessons in poker is knowing when to fold. A common mistake that beginner players make is to assume that they have to play every hand, even if theirs isn’t strong enough to win. This can quickly drain your bankroll, so it’s essential to know when to fold. It’s also important to be polite and respectful, so it’s a good idea to say “no” if you’re asked to play a hand that you don’t feel comfortable with. This will help to build a good relationship with other players at the table.