Poker is a game that directly puts your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. The game also indirectly teaches many life lessons that can be used in all aspects of your life.
It teaches discipline
Poker requires a lot of self-control. You must make decisions based on logic, not emotion, and think long-term in order to be successful. This is a skill that can be used in other areas of your life, from personal finance to business dealings. It also teaches you to be patient, and to take your time in making important decisions.
It teaches you to read other players
A top player will learn to pick up on their opponents’ tells. They’ll be able to tell when someone is stressed, bluffing or even just happy with their hand. This is a valuable skill that can be used in many situations, from bluffing at the poker table to reading body language when trying to sell a product.
It teaches you to analyze quickly
The best poker players are able to quickly calculate odds and percentages, like implied odds and pot odds, in order to make informed decisions on the fly. This is a critical skill that can be applied in other areas of your life, from determining whether or not to invest in a project to assessing your own risk tolerance.
The more you play and watch poker, the better you will become at calculating these odds. The more information you process, the stronger your brain will become, as it builds and strengthens neural pathways and nerve fibers that support our analytical and critical thinking skills.