Poker is a card game where players form hands based on the cards they have, in order to win the pot at the end of each betting round. This is done by raising or folding, depending on the strength of your hand. A good poker player is able to balance their chances and weigh their opportunities carefully, making tough calls that will maximise profit.

A strong poker strategy is also essential, as is a disciplined approach to the game. In addition to being able to choose the right limits and game variations for their bankroll, they must be able to focus and be ruthless in the face of losses. A good poker player is also able to take advantage of mistakes made by their opponents, for example by stealing blinds.

Some poker players spend a lot of time learning and studying the game, while others develop their strategies through detailed self-examination and discussions with other players. Regardless of how they come up with their poker strategy, a good poker player should constantly tweak it to ensure that they are always improving.

Another essential poker skill is understanding your opponent’s ranges, which means working out the selection of hands they can have. This is important because it can help you work out how likely it is that they will have a hand better than yours, and it allows you to adjust your bet size accordingly. You should also pay attention to the size of your opponent’s stack, as short-stacked players can be easier to bluff against.