Poker is a game of skill and chance, and it is a very mental game. It is important to stay focused and disciplined in the game, especially after bad beats. One way to help keep your emotions in check is to set a bankroll for each session and over the long term, and stick to it. This will prevent you from trying to make up for losses with foolish bets.

It is also important to learn to read other players and their tells. This includes not only nervous habits such as fiddling with a chip or ring, but also the way that a player plays their hands. A good player will often mix up their play style and try to keep opponents guessing as to what they have in their hand. If opponents know what you have, you will not get paid off on your strong hands and your bluffs won’t work.

Another thing to remember is that it is important to always be a good sport and avoid tilting. If you start feeling like you are losing control of your emotions, take a break and come back to the table when you are ready to focus again. This will improve your poker experience, and it will also ensure that you don’t make any unnecessary mistakes when you are tired or frustrated.