Poker is a game of skill, but it is also a game of chance. The chances of getting a specific hand are determined by luck, but the decision-making process is determined by the player’s experience and knowledge of probability, psychology, and game theory. A good player makes decisions based on the expected value of their actions.
It is important to take your time and observe all of the players around you at a table. Many beginners and advanced players make the mistake of rushing into their decisions at the table. This is a costly mistake that can ruin your chance of making money. Observing the betting patterns of your opponents will help you categorize them and decide on the best strategy for the situation.
When starting out, it is important to play tight and only open with strong hands. If you are in EP, you should be especially tight and only raise with the best hands. This will put pressure on the other players and cause them to fold more often.
In the early stages of your poker career, it is important to remember that it will take a long time before you are able to compete at a high level. However, that is no reason to give up on the game. Similarly, not being the best at something in life is no reason to surrender to it. The key is to learn as much as possible and then work on the aspects of your game that you can improve.