Identifying the greatest difficulty in poker can vary depending on each player's perspective and experience. In my case they are:
Variance:
Variance in poker refers to the difference between long-term mathematical expectations and short-term results. Even if you make optimal decisions, you may face short-term losses due to luck. The skill lies in overcoming this variance and maintaining a solid game over the long term.
Decision making under pressure:
Poker involves making strategic decisions in a competitive environment and often with high stakes. The pressure of the situation can affect logical decision making and lead to costly mistakes.
Reading opponents (Reads):
Evaluating the strength of your opponents'
hands and anticipating their actions is essential in poker. Interpreting opponents' signals and behaviors to make informed decisions is difficult and requires observation skills and experience.
