Poker is a card game of skill and chance that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. In the past decade, millions of people have invested small chunks of their income to learn and test their skills, and a relatively few players have taken the game very seriously indeed. The rest have relegated it to the entertainment category, and they have paid a price for this — the bottom of the pyramid is packed with thousands of hobbyists who are content to lose their money while enabling the top players to make a living from the game.

The first thing a player needs to develop in order to improve their game is discipline and perseverance. They also need to be willing to suffer from terrible luck, and they must be able to avoid being distracted or bored while playing. It’s not easy, but it is possible for a dedicated player to stick with a strict plan even when it becomes boring or frustrating.

Another important skill is learning to read the game. Observing experienced players and trying to imagine how they would react in certain situations is a great way to build your own instincts. Keeping track of your results, and discussing them with others, is also a good way to find ways to improve your game. There are many books about specific poker strategies, but it’s always best to come up with your own approach and constantly tweak it.