Poker is a game of skill, and although luck plays a role in winning hands as well, there are many things players can control. These include learning strategies, managing bankrolls, networking with other players, studying bet sizes and position, and more. The key to winning at poker is staying committed to improving your game, and putting in the necessary work over time.

One of the most important skills you can learn from poker is how to handle bad beats. When you’re at the table and your chips are getting low, it’s critical to remain calm and not let your emotions get out of control. This will help you avoid making bad decisions that can hurt your results. Eventually, you’ll be able to use this skill in other situations outside of the poker room as well.

Observing experienced players can also teach you a lot about the game. By observing how they play and how they react to different scenarios, you can begin to develop your own instincts about the game. You can also learn a lot about the risks and rewards of different plays by analyzing their decision-making process.

Lastly, it’s crucial to stay focused on your study. Too often, poker players study too many topics at once, which can lead to confusion and wasted time. Try to stick to a schedule where you study ONE concept each week. This might be a cbet video on Monday, a 3bet article or podcast on Tuesday, and a poker book about ICM on Wednesday.