Poker is a game that puts an individual’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It also indirectly teaches a lot of life lessons that can be used in other areas of one’s life. The following are some of the most important ones:
1. Teaches to make decisions under uncertainty.
While it may seem obvious, a good poker player must learn to make decisions in situations where they don’t have all of the information. This is a crucial skill that can be applied to many areas of life, such as business and finance.
2. Teach to read your opponents.
When playing poker, it is important to be able to read your opponents and understand their actions and reasoning. Ingo Fiedler and Jan-Philipp Rock from the University of Hamburg have studied this subject extensively, concluding that it is a game of skill, not chance. The ability to analyze your opponents, in addition to analyzing their hands, is key to making the best decisions in poker.
3. Teach to control your emotions.
Poker is a very emotional game, especially when the stakes are high. A good poker player will be able to keep their emotions in check and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. This is a valuable skill that can be applied to many areas of one’s life, such as business and personal relationships.
4. Helps build resilience.
A good poker player will be able to take the bad beats and move on. They won’t chase a bad hand or throw a tantrum. Instead, they will learn a lesson and move on. This is a valuable skill that can apply to many aspects of your life, both in poker and outside of it.
