Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves a lot of psychology and skill. A player’s behaviour at the table can change the course of a hand, and a strong understanding of how to read the other players at the table is crucial. Observe the way other players bet and check their cards to learn how to make informed decisions about what type of bet to make.

A good strategy will help you win more hands and minimise losses on losing ones. Minimising losses often means bluffing your opponents off of their better hands and taking the pot away from them.

Another essential skill is patience. You need to wait patiently until your cards are good before betting. Trying to force a bet with bad hands will only make you look weak and give other players the idea that you’re a bluff. Moreover, a large bet can put other players at risk of calling it with a bad hand as well.

Keeping detailed records of your wins and losses is an important part of your poker strategy. This helps you understand how you’re performing and determine whether or not to move up in stakes. It’s also important to stick to your bankroll management plan, even when you’re on a losing streak. This will ensure that you don’t overextend your bankroll and put yourself at risk of bigger losses down the road.