Poker is a game of skill, but there are also a lot of other factors that can make it or break you. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind while playing poker:

First and foremost, don’t play if you’re not having fun! Poker is a mentally intense game and you are only going to be successful when you have the right mindset. If you’re starting to feel frustrated, tired or angry, it’s best to stop the session immediately. You’ll likely save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

You must learn to read the players at your table. This is a huge part of the game and can be more important than the cards you hold. This doesn’t mean you have to read their subtle physical tells, but rather analyze how they play the game. If you find that one player is prone to calling raises with weak hands, then it would be wise to avoid betting against them.

Saying “call” means to place a bet that is equal to the last player’s bet. This creates a pot and encourages competition. If you want to add more money to the bet, then say “raise.”

Position is very important in poker. By acting in late position, you have more information than your opponents and can make better bluffing calls. It’s also crucial for making the most accurate value bets. Keeping this in mind will help you stay in the game longer and make more money.