Poker is a game of chance, but it also requires some skill. The key is discipline and perseverance. A player must be willing to lose hands when they are not good and to avoid becoming too excited after a win (unless it’s a World Series of Poker bracelet). It is also important to make wise decisions about stakes and game variations.

To be successful in poker, it’s helpful to study the play of experienced players. Watch for tells, which are nervous habits or expressions that can give away a player’s cards and strength of hand. It is also a good idea to pay attention to how the players interact with one another at the table, especially when they are not involved in a hand. This is often when they reveal the most information about their cards and tendencies.

When it comes to strategy, the best players often develop their own approach and tweak it as needed. However, even experienced players will sometimes fall victim to bad luck or make a mistake that can cost them the pot. This is why studying the play of other players is so beneficial; you can learn from their mistakes and successes.