While some games put your physical abilities to the test, poker is a game that pushes your analytical, mathematical and social skills to the limit. This game not only teaches you how to make the right decisions but also teaches you how to assess your opponents’ actions. This is a skill that will help you in life, whether at the poker table or in the business world.
One of the most important lessons poker teaches is that there is no place for ego in the game. The best players are able to take a step back and think about their actions in a detached way. This allows them to spot flaws in their opponents’ reasoning. For instance, amateur players often call down mediocre hands or chase ludicrous draws in the hope of hitting a monster. The better player will realise that trying to induce these calls by being erratic is usually a bad idea.
Observing experienced poker players will also help you develop good instincts. Try to watch how they react when they are in a tricky situation and then imagine how you would react. This will allow you to build up your own poker strategy much faster.
As in all card games, poker teaches you how to make decisions under uncertainty. It is impossible to know all the cards that will be played or how they will be played, so you have to estimate different scenarios and probabilities. This skill will be invaluable in all aspects of your life, both professionally and personally.