Poker is an international card game enjoyed in a variety of countries. It can be played with a single player, or in a large group of people. The objective is to win the pot by having the best hand or by making a bet that no other player calls.

Variance is a poker term that describes how much your winnings and losses vary from one session to the next. This is not something you can control, but it’s important to be prepared for and manage it accordingly so that you don’t end up with a loss that threatens your bankroll.

In the early stages of your poker career, it is often better to play with a small buy-in. This will allow you to make small swings and get better at the game without worrying about losing your money too quickly.

This strategy will also help you develop quick instincts so that you can respond to situations faster and more accurately. It is especially useful for online poker, where you can watch other players play to learn how to react to specific situations.

Being patient is a skill that is useful in many other life situations. Instead of getting frustrated or being impatient, you’ll be able to look for ways to solve the problem and move on.

It is also good to be able to take charge of a situation and make your stand, as this will improve your resilience in other areas of your life. Having the ability to be a leader and make your own decisions will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.