Poker is a card game where players place bets into a common pot at the end of each hand. A player can win the pot by having a high-ranking hand, or by calling other players’ bets for strategic reasons. While luck does play a factor in a single hand, the best poker players have skill that can overcome the influence of chance. This requires patience, discipline, and commitment to smart game selection (i.e., choosing limits and game variants that fit a player’s bankroll and playing style).

The first step to becoming a better poker player is to start small and work your way up. This will help you learn the game and get used to the pace of play before you invest significant money. It’s also a good idea to choose low-stakes games, as this allows you to gain experience without risking too much money and may prevent you from burning out.

The best poker players possess several similar skills, including patience and a keen ability to read other players. They also know how to calculate pot odds and percentages quickly, as well as how to adjust their strategy based on their opponents’ actions. Additionally, good poker players understand the importance of exercising pot control (i.e., keeping the pot size manageable with strong value hands). Lastly, top players also have the mental strength to weather bad beats and not let them affect their confidence. To see what it takes to become a great poker player, watch videos of Phil Ivey, one of the best poker players of all time.