What is a Good Poker Player?

Poker is a card game where players bet money into the pot and compete to have the best 5-card hand. The winner of each round wins all the money in the pot. Players must ‘ante’ up some amount to play, usually ten times the high limit bet (in our games, this is a nickel). Then they are dealt five cards. Players then take turns clockwise around the table revealing their hands and betting. When the highest hand wins the pot, it is called a showdown.

To make a good decision under uncertainty in poker, and in life, you have to estimate the probabilities of different scenarios and outcomes. This involves having an open mind, considering all possible outcomes and making a good estimate of the probability that your scenario will happen.

In poker, the goal of a strategy is to be able to decide when you should call, raise or fold. A good poker player also knows when to bluff and how much risk they can take on a particular bet.

A great poker player is someone who makes a living playing poker and has longevity in the game. This requires bankroll control, discipline and excellent game selection. It is difficult to achieve, but the rewards can be great. Many people confuse this definition of a great poker player with the “experts” who advocate tight aggressive play, which is a good strategy for most situations. But this approach can be exploited by opponents and can lead to a short career in the game.