Poker is a card game where players try to form the best hand based on the cards they have. The best hand wins the pot, which is the sum of all bets made by players in the betting round. A good poker player can improve their odds of winning by bluffing and folding when they have weak hands, as well as making smart bets on the strongest hands.

There are many different poker games and strategies, and it takes a lot of discipline to be a good poker player. This includes being able to stay focused and avoid distractions during games. It also requires the ability to make good decisions under uncertainty. As with other forms of decision-making, whether in poker or in finance, you must first estimate the probabilities of each scenario.

In addition, a good poker player will have a keen sense of observation and the ability to predict what other players are holding. This helps them determine if they have a strong hand and can bet against them, or if they should fold. It’s also important to have a high level of resilience, as good poker players often lose or struggle to break even. They don’t chase their losses or throw tantrums when they have a bad hand, but instead take it as a learning experience and try to improve the next time around. This demonstrates great self-control and maturity, which can be beneficial in life outside of poker as well.