Poker is a card game where players place bets (representing money) into a pot to form a hand. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot at the end of each betting interval. Players use a combination of their own pocket cards and the community cards to form hands.

Poker requires a high level of mental toughness and a sharp focus. It’s essential to be able to put the bad beats aside and remain confident in your skills, even when things aren’t going well. Watch videos on YouTube of Phil Ivey taking bad beats to see how he handles himself.

To improve your poker game, you’ll need to commit to studying the game. Start by reviewing the hand histories of your opponents and learning from their mistakes. You’ll also want to spend time watching videos of other players playing poker. This will give you a good idea of what types of hands are most profitable for you to play.

It’s also helpful to study poker math and application. The concepts of balance, frequencies, and ranges will become more ingrained in your brain as you study them. This will make it easier for you to play smart hands on a regular basis. Once you’ve mastered these basic principles, it’s time to start reading some advanced books on the subject. For instance, ‘Poker Math for Pros’ is an excellent resource that provides a deep dive into the mathematics of poker. It’s a great way to get started on your journey toward becoming a world-class player!