What Makes a Good Poker Player?

Aside from having the skills, a good poker player knows how to think and employ both tactic and strategy on any possible opponent profile. He knows how to do it and when to do it. Bluffing, as one of poker players' strategies, need to be perfected. And effective bluffing can only be achieved if you are able to bluff without the other players knowing it. You should also be able to know warnings signs that reveal when someone else is bluffing as well. Remember how each player reacts when another bluffs. But more importantly, do not let your ego take hold of your hand. Do not let it control you.
Here are some pointers to make you a good poker player. If you're already well-versed with poker, these should already be familiar to you.
1. Choose your game carefully. Do not play on every game available. Choose a strategic location on the table where you can sit and watch what your opponent's every move. Observe how they are betting and their particular body language. Be careful though. What you are doing may also be something that your opponent is doing. If you are watching them, keep in mind that they are watching you as well.
2. It is so easy to know when someone is bluffing. It is not necessarily evident on the look of your opponent's eyes if they are bluffing or not. Eyes may be the windows to the soul but it's only true for amateur poker players. It is in the way in which they act that clearly says if they are bluffing or not. Intimidating, loud and cheeky behaviors are often used as defense mechanisms. It is utilized to cover up a player that is quite unsure of his hand and needs to compensate. On the contrary, players with the winning hand are usually the ones who exude less confidence, shakes their head and sigh. Abrupt movements on the table should also be observed around the table since this often happens to players with a strong hand. They can't resist the urge.
3. What you do with your shoulders also gives other players a clue on what you're holding in your hand. Don't let your shoulders drop when you missed your hand. More importantly, don't let it tense when you have a weak hand. If you've spotted your card, don't let your shoulders give you away. Avoid staring at your Aces or Kings. If you have seasoned opponents, they already know that you are in for the win.
4. Keep your body language discreet. Sigh after, and not during, the game. Try not to breathe too heavily since it can be a sign that you are getting excited or becoming restless. If what you have in your hand is a probable winning streak, don't strike up a conversation with everyone in the table. You'll seem too confident. A poker pro will spot that easily. People who have a good hand and can't wait until their turn usually has a shaky hand, so watch out for yours. If you've been caught bluffing once, don't use the same tactic the next time. Your next game may not be with the same opponents but poker players talk.
5. One thing about a good poker player is consistency. Knowing how to read betting patterns is one of the characteristics of a good poker player. You should be aware of how long it takes for a player to place a bet and how his bet changes, allowing you to make a very good guess on the cards that he's holding.
6. Lastly, a good poker player is never content with his game technique. He is never too complacent with the skills that he has. A good poker player consistently aims to improve his skills, tactics and techniques. One way to improve a poker player's craft is by joining forums online that can discuss best practices on how to improve one's game. Fuse what you learn online with what you currently have and you're on your way to being a good poker player. Don't forget to practice. It's the only way for you to perfect your trade.