Poker is a card game that requires patience, discipline, and sharp focus. It also demands a strong commitment to finding and playing in profitable games, and the proper limits for one’s bankroll. In addition to these skills, a good poker player must have a high level of emotional maturity in order to withstand the ups and downs of the game.

Each betting interval, or round, begins when the player to the left of you makes a bet. The player to your left must call that bet by placing the same number of chips into the pot as the preceding player, raise if they have better cards, or drop (fold).

You should aim to be the last player to act in each round, unless you are holding a very strong value hand. This allows you to get the most out of your hands, as it gives you the opportunity to control the size of the pot by raising and/or calling if necessary.

A good poker player must also be aware of the other players’ tendencies and read their body language. This is often easier to do when they are not involved in the hand, as they can watch what is being said and how other players react.

Trying to force other players into taking your preferred lines will usually backfire. Instead, let them chase their ludicrous draws. Sometimes they’ll make the correct call, and while your ego might take a beating on that particular hand, in the long run you’ll be much happier for having made the right decision.