As you learn poker, you’ll need to work on several skills, including discipline and focus. You also need to be able to make smart game selections and manage your bankroll. Finally, you must be able to recognize and overcome cognitive biases that can derail your profitability. One of the biggest challenges is knowing when to fold. Although many players avoid folding their strong hands, it’s important to be able to fold in certain situations to protect your bankroll and maximize your overall profitability.
When you have a strong poker hand, it’s important to be able take control of the betting. For example, you should always bet enough that your opponent has to fold, even if it’s not for all of your chips. This will help you build the pot and chase off other players who might be holding weaker hands that can beat yours.
You can also improve your game by learning how to read other players. For example, you should be able to identify conservative players by their tendency to fold early in a hand, while aggressive players are more likely to bet high in an attempt to bluff other players into calling their bets. In addition, you should be able to determine how much an opponent is risking by looking at their stack size and position on the table.
