Poker is a card game in which players place bets, or chips (representing money), into the pot in order to win. The highest ranking hand wins the pot. There are many variations of poker, but the best poker players know how to read the other players and make the most of their time at the table.
A good poker player knows that bluffing can be a powerful strategy when used sparingly. However, bluffing is usually not effective against good opponents. If a player consistently calls your bluffs, they may have a strong hand, and you should fold.
It is also important to limit the number of opponents you are facing. This will reduce the chance that someone else will beat you with an unlucky flop. When you have a solid pre-flop, like AQ, bet enough to put the rest of the field at risk. This will make them more likely to call your flop bet, and you should be rewarded with a high percentage of your money back.
Lastly, it is very important to play poker when you are in the right mindset. Poker is a mental game, and you will perform best when you are feeling relaxed and happy. If you feel frustration, fatigue, or anger building up, then it is better to quit the game than to force yourself through a bad session. Then you can focus on studying and improving for a more enjoyable experience the next time.