Poker is a game that involves both chance and skill. While the outcome of a hand will still be mostly dependent on chance, the actions taken by players are chosen based on probability, psychology and game theory. A good poker player has the ability to calculate pot odds, and can read other players to make intelligent decisions under uncertainty.

A good poker player will also have a lot of patience and can quickly adapt to the situation on the table. They are not afraid to fold a bad hand, or know when it is time to quit the game. They are able to learn from their mistakes and will improve as they continue to play.

In order to improve their games, good poker players will often practice a variety of strategies and study the rules of different variations of the game. They will understand how the game works, such as the rank of a hand and the rules for betting and raising. This will help them build their poker bankroll and improve their skills.

Practicing the game will also teach them the value of keeping a “poker face.” This is important because other players may try to read their emotions through their faces and body language. A poker face will ensure that you are not giving away information about your hand.

Another useful tool is studying the charts that show what hands beat what, such as a straight beating a flush and two pair beating three of a kind. By studying these charts, poker players can quickly identify which hands are worth playing and which to fold.