Technical Skill (The Science):

• Probability: Understanding the odds of your hand improving and the likelihood of opponents having better hands.
• Bankroll Management: This is non-negotiable. Set a strict limit for every session and never, ever exceed it. The best players are not those who win the most, but those who lose the least over time.
• Game Selection: Choosing the right table is a skill. A table full of cautious players requires a different strategy than a table of aggressive gamblers.

Psychological Warfare (The Art):

• Bluffing and Tell Reading: Mastering the “jhooth” (bluff) and detecting the “pakad” (tell) is the heart of the game. It’s about telling a convincing story with your bets and deciphering the stories others are telling.
• Table Image: Be aware of how others perceive you. Are you the tight, conservative player or the loose, unpredictable gambler? Use this image to manipulate your opponents’ decisions.
• Emotional Control: This is the master skill. Tilt—playing emotionally after a bad beat—is the fastest way to lose your entire stack. Mastery means making rational decisions regardless of whether you just won a massive pot or suffered a brutal loss.