Poker is a game of strategy and psychology, not physics or math. The best players have several common traits: they are patient, read other players well, know how to calculate pot odds and percentages, and are able to adjust their play based on the situation. They also have a strong sense of discipline and are willing to follow their plan even when they lose a few hands.
Trying to outwit opponents is often a waste of time and can backfire. Instead, focus on capitalizing on your opponent’s mistakes and playing the game the way that makes sense for you. It is not uncommon to lose a few hands in a row when you play this way, but over time the results will speak for themselves.
One of the biggest mistakes that amateur players make is calling with mediocre hands and chasing all sorts of ludicrous draws. This is the type of play that will cost you money in the long run, so avoid it whenever possible.
It’s also important to learn to play your strong value hands as straightforwardly as possible. This means betting and raising a lot when your hand is ahead of your opponent’s calling range, and not worrying about looking obvious. Your goal is to force your opponents to overthink and arrive at wrong conclusions. This will help you win more of the hands you should have and minimize the amount of times that you get outdrawn on later streets.