If your a poker player then you'll know that one of the most important things you can do to try to improve is to look at hands you have played during previous sessions and analyze them in order to determine if the hand was played to maximize its value. Some people have problems doing this and tend to allow the result of the hand influence them too much.

The best way to start analyzing your hands is to pick up a tracking tool such as poker tracker or hold em manager. Once you have one of these then its time to set it up and let it record all the hands that you play. Then after your next session filter out only the hands you played big pots with and look at the way you played.

Try to determine if you have made the correct play preflop first. Many people suggest raising 3 times the big blind and adding a big blind on for every player that limps into the pot before you so be sure to make sure you raised the correct amount. Then look at the position you are in at the table and if you should be entering the pot given the image of the other players who have entered the pot before you. If you are first in the pot then make sure your hand strong enough to do so. If all these things are in order then its time to look at the way you played your hand after the preflop action.

Try to look at how the flop has connected with your hand and be sure to determine if your hand has become weaker or stronger. Then think about if you think your opponent has connected with the flop that is out. Does the flop fit your opponents range of hands given his or her preflop action? It's often best to make a continuation bet if you were the preflop raiser but you have to make sure the board texture is suitable first.

If your hand gets to the turn then its time to start thinking about how the turn card has effected not only your hand but if it has helped your opponent. Did it complete the flush or the straight card? If so then its often best to proceed with caution. Sometimes you can
ever double barrel the turn if you think your opponent will be scared of the turn card. Try to look at your opponents image and use what you know about him to determine the best course of action.

Now for the river if you have managed to make it this far. Most often the river will be your biggest decision in the hand. Do you want to try and get all the money into the pot or do you want to get to a showdown as cheap as possible. Again be sure to analyze if the river card has changed your opponents hand and look to see if it has helped you at all. Sometimes you just have to fold the river and looking back at hands can really help you determine what you should have done at the time. Use all the information you gain from your analysis to try and improve your play in similar situations in the future.