Poker is a game of incomplete information, and every move you make gives your opponents bits of information that they can use to build a story about your intentions. Your actions communicate both your strength and weakness, so it’s important to carefully weigh each decision. You can also learn a lot by watching more experienced players and analyzing their gameplay. Watch for the mistakes they make and the ways they adjust to challenging situations. Identify their successful moves and try to incorporate them into your own strategy.

A key part of poker is learning to read other players’ actions and body language. Pay attention to their betting patterns, how they hold and handle their cards and chips, and the way they speak. These tells can give you clues about how strong or weak their hand is, and they can help you determine whether or not they’re bluffing.

Another valuable skill is learning to calculate poker odds. This can be a complex task, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor for any serious player. It’s a good idea to start by calculating the frequencies of high-ranking hands, such as four of a kind and straight flushes.

A good poker player knows when to fold, and it’s crucial to be able to assess the strength of your own hand. A weak hand, such as a low card paired with a face card, is rarely worth calling, even when your opponent raises. This is why a great poker player is able to accurately assess the probability of winning with each bet and make an informed decision.