Poker is a game of chance, but it also involves strategy and psychology. Players make bets in order to gain positive expected value and bluff other players for various strategic reasons. The final result of any individual hand largely depends on luck, but in the long run players’ decisions are driven by their knowledge of probability, psychology and game theory.

While some people consider poker to be a form of gambling, most players are not in it to win money but to improve their critical thinking and decision-making skills, enhance mathematical and statistical abilities, foster social skills, and provide a mental workout. To get the most out of the game, players should learn to be open to learning from their mistakes and from the strategies of other players.

One of the biggest mistakes that poker players make is being too results-oriented. This means focusing on how many hands you win rather than the quality of your individual hands. While winning a particular hand is largely determined by chance, the overall quality of your poker game can be significantly improved by consistently folding your weaker hands and playing only the best ones in later positions. This approach will allow you to avoid the bad variance associated with chasing large pots in early position and can help you build up your bankroll more quickly. In addition, it will teach you to have a healthier relationship with losing and push you to continue improving your game.