Poker is a game that tests your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the limits. In addition to pushing your mental endurance, it also teaches some important life lessons. Here are some of the most valuable ones:

Improves your math skills

Poker requires you to be able to work out the odds on the fly. This isn’t just the 1 + 2 type of math – it means being able to see the probability that a card you need is going to show up, compare that with the risk of raising your bet and the amount of money you could win, then make a decision accordingly. This sort of thinking will help you in all sorts of situations outside of the poker table too.

Teaches you how to observe and assess a situation

It takes some experience to learn how to read other players. This is a crucial skill in poker, as you need to be able to tell when someone is bluffing or having a good hand. In order to do this, you need to pay attention to their body language and tone of voice. In addition, you need to be able to distinguish between tells and changes in mood or attitude. This is an invaluable skill to have, as it can be applied in business and personal interactions.

Instils discipline

Poker is an excellent way to teach you how to be more disciplined in general. Poker requires you to be able to control your emotions and think long-term, and this can be applied to all areas of your life, from personal finances to business dealings. Emotional and superstitious players are usually bad at poker, so learning to be more logical and disciplined can give you a massive advantage.

Sharpens your tactical instincts

You can’t play poker without having a wide range of tactics at your disposal. Depending on the player to your left or right, how much information you have about the other players at the table and how well you’re playing your own cards, you will need different tactics. For example, if you have a decent hand but think your opponent has caught on then you need to be able to fold quickly.

There are a lot of little adjustments that you can make to your strategy over time which will take you from break even to big time winner. These are mostly small changes to your mindset and the way you approach the game, and they can have a significant effect on your overall profitability. So keep practicing, learn as much as you can by watching experienced players and try to emulate their behavior, and don’t be afraid to make changes to your strategy. You’ll be glad you did.