Poker is an intense game that pushes your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the limit. But what many players don’t realise is that poker can also teach you a lot about life.
Poker requires a high level of observation, especially on the part of your opponents. You need to notice their subtle physical tells, idiosyncrasies and betting patterns in order to read them correctly. For example, if a player that has been calling all night suddenly makes a big raise, it’s likely that they have an unbeatable hand.
Another essential trait of a good poker player is mental resilience. A whirlwind of emotions can hit you in a poker tournament, and the best players learn to stay calm and cool under pressure. They can quickly turn a bad beat into a lesson and move on. This is a valuable skill in everyday life and can help you deal with setbacks in other areas of your life.
You should only play poker when you feel happy and relaxed. If you have frustration, fatigue or anger building up, then it’s time to quit the game. You’ll probably save yourself a lot of money and will be better off in the long run. Poker is a mentally intensive game and you should only play when you’re feeling ready to give it your all. Otherwise, you could end up making mistakes that will cost you a lot of money.