Poker is a game of strategy that puts an individual’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It is a game that indirectly teaches life lessons to those who play it regularly. Here are some of the main ones:
1. Critical thinking skills
Playing poker keeps your brain switched on and constantly trying to figure out your opponents’ next move. This constant problem-solving leads to improved critical thinking abilities. These skills can be applied outside of the poker table to other areas like work or even social interactions.
2. Emotional intelligence
Poker teaches you how to control your emotions. When things aren’t going your way, it is easy to let your frustration boil over and potentially cause a negative outcome. But poker teaches you to remain calm and keep your emotions in check, even when the odds are against you. This skill can be applied in other aspects of your life, especially when you’re under pressure.
3. Patience
A key part of any poker strategy is knowing when to take a risk. This requires a certain level of patience, which can be difficult to master in this fast-paced world. Poker teaches you to slow down and take your time. A patient mindset can have a positive impact in many other areas of your life.
4. Narrowing your range of starting hands
A good poker player will know how to narrow their starting hand range so they can make the best decisions. This can help you win more pots, and it’s a useful skill to have in general. It also teaches you to be more selective in your decisions, which can help you reduce your variance.
5. Observational skills
One of the most important skills you can learn from poker is how to observe other players’ actions and body language. You must be able to read your opponents in order to understand their strength and weakness. This can be applied in other areas of your life, such as evaluating job applicants or interviewing for a new position.
6. Logic and calculation skills
As you continue to study poker, you’ll learn the fundamentals of probability and odds. You’ll start to see patterns in the way other players play, and you’ll develop a more intuitive understanding of EV estimation, combos, and blockers. You’ll be able to solve problems faster and with less effort because of your increased knowledge of these topics.
In poker, as in life, there’s always a risk associated with each decision you make. Choosing to play safe only guarantees that you’ll miss out on opportunities where a moderate amount of risk could yield a large reward. Poker teaches you to balance your risks and rewards so that you can achieve your goals.