I think my strategy also depends on how my opponents move, it changes from time to time. When another player is too aggressive and I know I have a good hand, I usually just call. Or I just check when no one is raising.
Poker is more on a behavioral technique so probably you can fool your oponent based on what you are doing. You should also have great observation even little things and learn how to read minds as well if possible. Most of the time, those who knows how to manipulate wins.
Yes you are very right and manipulating minds is much easier, this is the reason some people even take alcohol before going to gamble because according to them it makes them more sociable to be able to interact and as well study the players. I have discovered that it’s better to stay away from alcohol to be able read the mind of the opponent.
One thing is sure in poker, money will always go in a direction because one person will get unlucky for another to be lucky, that’s the reason it is a game of luck,so the best is to stay focused while looking for the bad side of the opponent and how to use it in your own advantage to be considered the lucky player. Poker is fun and truly interesting.