Poker is a card game of skill and chance. While luck plays a significant role in the outcome of any given hand, the long-term expectations of players are determined by decisions made on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory.

To be successful at poker, it is important to understand the mechanics of the game. This includes knowing how to read other players, understanding tells and the rules of the game. It is also essential to take breaks regularly to ensure you are playing in the best mental state.

In addition to these fundamental skills, it is important for players to be able to make smart decisions when they don’t have all of the information. This is called deciding under uncertainty. To do so, you must first estimate the probabilities of different events and scenarios.

To improve your decision making, practice and watch experienced players to develop quick instincts. Observe how they react to their opponents, and try to predict what they will do next. This will help you to play faster and more efficiently. It’s also important to avoid putting yourself in bad positions, which can lead to big losses. Instead, focus on being aggressive when you have strong hands and folding when you don’t. By raising your bet, you can price out weaker hands and increase the amount of money in the pot – so it’s worth it to raise if you think your hand is strong enough.