Poker is a betting game that requires the ability to read opponents, the ability to calculate odds and a cool demeanor when making big bluffs. It is also a game of patience where the best players can make huge profits over time by learning to view the game in a much more cold, detached and mathematically sound way than their emotional and superstitious counterparts.

The first step in becoming a better poker player is to commit to smart game selection. This involves choosing the proper limits and game variations for your bankroll and participating in games that will provide the most profit. It also means playing in games where you will have the opportunity to learn from more experienced players and study their gameplay.

A good poker player needs to have a variety of skills, but the most important are probably patience and the ability to read opponents. They also need to be able to develop a strategy that is based on their experience and the information they can pick up from studying past hands and their own results.

If you have a premium opening hand like Ace-King or Queens, you should bet aggressively, especially in early positions. This will allow you to manipulate the pot on later betting streets and put more money in your own pockets. However, you should avoid calling re-raises with weak and marginal hands, as this will only give your opponent the opportunity to exploit your weakness and steal your money.