When it comes to poker, the ultimate object is to execute the best possible decisions based on the information at hand. This means maximizing the long-term expected value of each action you take. It also means playing the game in a way that does not put your bankroll at risk and never playing at stakes that are beyond your abilities.

This may seem obvious, but many amateur players struggle to get their heads around it. They spend a lot of time worrying about how much money they can win or lose. This type of thinking is not only unproductive, it can actually make you a worse player.

Even the most talented poker players have losing sessions from time to time, however, they learn from them and improve. In the end, it is a combination of small changes over the long run that make the difference between break-even beginner players and million-dollar pros.

The first step to improving your poker game is learning how to view the game in a cold, detached, and mathematical way. This will help you start making better decisions. The cards and winnings will take care of themselves as you continue to improve your game.