Poker is a game that requires several skills to succeed, including discipline and perseverance. It also teaches players to manage risk and develop an analytical mind. In addition, it can improve a player’s interpersonal and emotional resilience.

A good poker player will be able to make decisions under pressure, even in the most unfamiliar situations. This is because they will know how to make use of their positional advantage. They will be able to get maximum value from their strongest hands and bluff opponents off their weaker ones. They will also know when to call a raise and how much to bet.

When you play poker, you have to be aware that your opponents can read your body language and other cues. Therefore, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and a strong self-image. This can help you avoid making mistakes that may hurt your chances of winning.

Another important skill of a good poker player is knowing when to fold. This will prevent you from losing money and preserve your bankroll for a stronger hand in the future. You can practice this by analyzing the probability of getting a card you need and then comparing it to the risk of calling a bet. You can also learn to calculate this on the fly as you play more poker. In this way, you will be able to make quick decisions that will help you win more money. You should also learn to select the most profitable games for your bankroll.