Poker is more than just a card game; it’s a skill that requires quick thinking, strategic reasoning, and emotional control. These skills can have a positive impact on your life, from the career you choose to the way you handle stress. Some of the best minds on Wall Street play poker, and even kids can learn the basics of this game, which will give them a leg up on the competition.
One of the most important things to learn as a poker player is how to read other players’ body language. This is crucial to reading people and knowing how to bluff when necessary. Poker also teaches you how to act confidently, even when you know you’re wrong. This is an invaluable lesson for any situation in life, from making a sales pitch to leading a team.
You’ll also develop your math skills when playing poker. The game requires quick calculations, like implied odds and pot odds. The more you play, the faster you will be at these calculations. Plus, learning how to calculate probabilities will help you develop your ranges, or groups of hands that you want to play from each position at the table.
Other cognitive skills you’ll develop when playing poker include the ability to spot a bluff, as well as the importance of position. The earlier in the hand you act, the better your position will be. You can say “call” to match the amount raised by the player before you, or “raise” when you want to increase the betting level and keep going in the hand.
