Poker is a game that puts an individual’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It also indirectly teaches many life lessons that are often not recognized.
1. Teaches patience
Unlike other card games where the player’s decision is made in a relatively short amount of time, poker involves long periods of uncertainty. This teaches the player to make decisions under uncertainty and evaluate risk and reward. In the long run, this is an invaluable skill that can be applied to any situation where you must decide while you don’t have all of the information.
2. Teaches emotional stability
One of the most important aspects of a good poker player is their ability to stay calm and collected in stressful situations. This is not easy to do in the heat of the moment, and it teaches the player how to control their emotions and behave rationally even when they’re losing big. This is a skill that can be applied to other areas of life and may lead to greater happiness overall.
3. Teaches how to play in position
Playing poker in position versus your opponents is an integral part of a basic winning strategy. It allows you to see your opponent’s actions before making your own and gives you key insights into their hand strength. It also lets you control the size of the pot. By staying in position, you can call a bet much more frequently when you have a marginally made hand because you don’t need to add as much money to the pot.