Poker is an exciting game that requires a lot of concentration. Unlike other games, where you can simply look at the cards and move forward, poker is more like a mathematical problem, which means that you need to pay attention to your opponents’ betting patterns and body language. You need to be able to read them and determine whether they are bluffing or not. This is an important skill that can help you in life outside of poker, too.
Another important skill that poker teaches is patience. It takes time to become a good poker player, and you will have to wait for optimal hands before acting. However, you must not cry about bad beats, as this gives away information to your opponent and can cause you to play suboptimally going forward.
A good poker player will also be aggressive when the situation calls for it. However, they should never be overly aggressive, as this can lead to costly mistakes. For example, if you are in EP and your opponent raises pre-flop, it is usually best to call the bet and make a big bet yourself with a strong value hand.
Lastly, a good poker player will read many books and study the game extensively. This will help them to understand the basic strategy and get a better understanding of the game. They should also commit to playing only in profitable games and avoiding those that are not fun for them.