While luck will always play a role in poker, players can control the amount of skill that they apply to their game. This requires discipline and commitment to learning the game. It also means setting bankrolls – both for every session and over the long term – and playing in games that are profitable.

A good way to learn the basics of poker is to start by reading a book on the subject, or playing with friends who know how to play. Then, you can spend time learning the basic rules and hand rankings. This will give you the foundation for success.

It’s important to practice the game on your own, too. There are many different variations of the game, so you should find a game that suits your skills and preferences. Try to keep a logbook of your results so you can see the progress you’ve made over time.

When you’re playing at the same table as other people, it’s important to pay attention to their actions. This will help you pick up on tells that they might not notice themselves. It’s also a good idea to study other players who are good at the game. This can expose you to new strategies and playing styles that you might want to incorporate into your own style.

One of the best ways to improve your poker strategy is to be the last player to act. This gives you more control over the price of the pot, allowing you to inflate it with strong value hands and deflate it with mediocre or drawing hands.