Poker is a game that challenges your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the limit. It’s also a game that indirectly teaches many life lessons that can be applied to any situation you encounter, both in business and personal relationships.
1. It teaches you to decide under uncertainty
Poker forces players to make decisions without all the facts, which is a skill that can be useful in any area of your life. The trick to making good decisions under uncertainty is to know the different scenarios that could occur, then estimate which ones are more likely than others. This is known as probability theory.
2. It teaches you to focus
Poker requires the ability to concentrate and ignore distractions, such as phones, TV screens and other players at the table. Poker is also a great way to learn how to control your emotions, particularly when you’re losing. This can be a very difficult skill to develop, but once you’ve learned how to keep your cool and stay focused on the task at hand, you will find it easier to manage other situations that may arise in your life.
3. It improves your reading skills
Learning how to read other players is a crucial skill in poker. There are entire books dedicated to this subject, and you can also gain a lot of information by watching how other players play, including their body language and facial expressions. You can also train yourself to notice small details about other players’ playing styles, such as their mood shifts or the way they handle their chips and cards.