Poker is a game that puts a player’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. The game also indirectly teaches many valuable life lessons.
It teaches patience
Poker requires considerable patience, which translates well into other parts of life. Good players avoid acting rashly, they do their calculations before taking big risks and they keep their emotions in check. Being patient will improve a player’s ability to make decisions with confidence and not let them get distracted or bored during long poker sessions.
It teaches how to read people
The game of poker can teach players how to read other players and understand their motivation and reasoning. This is not about making movie-like reads of your opponents, but simply being able to assess an opponent’s actions and think through their reasoning. This will improve a player’s understanding of people in general, and not just at the poker table.
It teaches how to make quick decisions
A huge part of poker success is knowing when and how to call, raise or fold. Whether you’re playing in a casino, at home or online, the ability to quickly assess the quality of your hand and make a decision will increase your chances of winning. To develop this skill, practice by watching experienced players and imagining how you’d react in their position. The more you do this, the quicker your instincts will become. Eventually, this will help you improve your decision-making in any situation.