Poker is an exciting game that involves strategy, luck and a lot of skill. However, it is also a mentally taxing experience. This is especially true if you play for money, as it is easy to get frustrated when your strategy goes wrong.

One of the most common mistakes that new players make is letting their emotions take control when they lose a hand. This can be a disaster for your bankroll, and it’s important to stick to your strategy at all times.

When you’re playing against other players, it’s essential to learn how to read them. If you’re a very aggressive player, but the other players are stoic and quiet, it might be a good idea to adjust your style.

You should also try to avoid tables with a lot of strong players, as they will often bluff too much and make it hard to win. Even if they’re not that strong, you’ll still have to be better than them to have a chance at winning.

Another important factor to consider is position. You have more information about the strength of your opponent’s hands when you’re in the last position to act, which can help you make the most accurate value bets possible.

When you’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to start with small games. This will give you an opportunity to practice your strategy against more reasonable opponents, and it’ll let you see how well you can play against different types of opponents.