Poker is a game of chance, but players can control some aspects of the game to increase their chances of winning. A good poker player knows how to calculate pot odds and percentages, has the patience to wait for optimal position and proper hands, and knows how to read other players. They also know how to manage their bankroll, choose strategies that match their skill level and have the discipline to stick with their plan when playing for real money.
One of the biggest mistakes that even advanced players make is making decisions automatically. This can be because they are thinking about many things at once, like their position, the hand ranking, their opponents cards and all the other information they have. This is why it is important to take your time and analyze the situation properly before you make your decision.
Mix Up Your Hands
It is easy for opponents to pick up on if you always play the same type of hand. This is because they will expect you to have the nuts when you are bluffing or have an extremely strong hand when you are calling. This will reduce your bluffing success rate and the effectiveness of your calling strategy.
When you are dealt a pair of kings off the flop, for example, you should be wary if there are a lot of flush cards or straight cards on the board. This will not always spell doom for your pocket kings but it should at least make you cautious.