Poker is a game of chance, but skill plays a big role as well. To become a better player you need to learn how to read the other players at your table and make adjustments based on that information. You also need to have discipline and perseverance so you don’t give up after losing a few hands.

The first skill you need to work on is figuring out your opponent’s range of cards. While beginners try to put their opponent on a specific hand, more experienced players will go through the whole selection of hands their opponent could have and then determine how likely it is that those hands beat the hand you’re holding.

Next, you need to master your pre-flop ranges. This means learning how to calculate what hands are more likely than others to appear on the flop, turn, and river. It’s crucial to have this knowledge because it lets you predict how much you can bet and when you should call or raise.

Bankroll management is another important skill to develop. This involves knowing your limits and only playing games that fit your bankroll. You should also play only against players who are at your level or below. This helps prevent you from making bad decisions based on emotions or chasing losses. It also ensures you’re participating in the most profitable games possible.