Poker is a game of skill and chance, but there are certain things that can help you become a better player. The first is learning to be resilient. No matter how well you play, bad luck will inevitably derail your results on occasion. Whether it is a slow call or an ill-advised bluff, learning to accept these defeats will improve your ability to stay focused and disciplined at the table.
Another thing that can help you improve is understanding how to read your opponents when they are not holding a hand. In a live game, this is usually possible by looking at their physical tells. However, when playing online, it is necessary to rely on analyzing their betting patterns. This can be done by observing their bet sizing and how they raise the pot with bluffs.
Lastly, it is important to understand how to maximize the value of your strong hands. This means putting pressure on your opponents when they have a weaker hand and raising the pot when you think that you have a better chance of making your hand. It also means avoiding slowplaying your strong hands, as this can lead to your opponents chasing all sorts of ludicrous draws and wasting their money.
Lastly, it is important to be able to identify your opponents’ mistakes and take advantage of them. This is particularly important in a game with a lot of amateur players who will often make crazy hero calls with mediocre hands and chase all sorts of ludicrous draws.
