Poker is a game of skill, and while luck will play a small role in your wins, it’s important to learn and practice all aspects of the game so you can improve. This includes learning about the different strategies, managing your bankroll, networking with other players, and studying bet sizes and position. It also means improving your physical game so you can play for longer periods of time without getting tired or loosing focus.

When playing poker, you’ll want to be able to think on your feet and make quick decisions. A good way to develop these skills is to observe experienced players and try to imagine how you would react in their situation. This will help you build good instincts and will be invaluable in the long run.

Another key skill in poker is the ability to take risks. However, it’s important to remember that you can’t win every hand, so it’s vital to know when to fold. You’ll want to be able to read your opponent and determine if they’re holding a strong hand or bluffing. This is why it’s important to do several shuffles before starting the game and to pay attention to the player’s actions.

If you’re unsure about whether to call a bet or raise, ask yourself why you’re doing so. This will help you avoid making impulsive decisions and will ensure that your decision-making is as efficient as possible. This will increase your chances of winning more hands and decreasing the number of bad ones you make.