Poker is a game of strategy that puts a player’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It also teaches people life lessons that are useful outside of the poker table.
1. Teaches you how to make decisions under uncertainty
Poker involves a lot of uncertainty, especially when it comes to knowing what other players are holding, their betting patterns and how the cards will play out on the flop or river. The ability to decide under uncertainty is a valuable skill that will help you in many areas of your life, from financial management to making decisions in the face of conflicting information.
2. Teaches you how to read other people’s tells
A critical skill for poker is being able to pick up on other players’ “tells,” or nervous habits. This includes observing their eye movements, idiosyncrasies and other behavioral characteristics. It is a vital part of learning how to read and exploit other players’ weaknesses.
3. Teaches you how to be patient
Poker is a game of patience. Even on a great night, most players lose at least some hands. The long-term goal of the game is to build a strong enough hand to win the pot, which is the sum total of all bets placed during a hand. To do this, you need to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. This is a valuable lesson that will apply to all aspects of your life, from work to family to personal finance.