Poker is a game that requires a lot of mental and emotional stamina to play and win. It indirectly teaches many life lessons that are beneficial in all aspects of life. Here are some of them:
Teaches discipline. Top players are disciplined in their approach to the game, they do not act rashly, they stay calm and courteous to other players, and they keep their emotions under control. This is an essential skill because if you let your emotions get the better of you, it could cost you a fortune.
Develops a quick instinct. The best way to develop a quick instinct is to practice, but also by watching other players play. Observe how they play their hands and imagine how you would have reacted in their situation. This will help you build your own strategy and improve your game.
Builds confidence. Poker is a great confidence booster because it tests your mettle and helps you overcome obstacles. It also helps you realize your strengths and weaknesses. It can be difficult to admit your weaknesses, but once you do, it will be easier to fix them and become a better player.
Develops communication skills. Most people who play poker are not only playing against the computer, but they are also interacting with other players. This is a great social activity that can boost your social skills and give you the opportunity to meet new people. It will also allow you to make friends who have the same interest as you, which can be a great bonding experience.
Educates you about money management. Poker is a game where you need to know how to manage your money and make wise decisions. It teaches you to look at the big picture and not just think about your own personal gain. It also teaches you to set limits on how much you want to risk and stick to them.
Instills a healthy sense of competition. If you are good at poker, it is a game that can be very lucrative for you. In order to be a top player, you must be able to beat the other players at the table. You will need to work hard to achieve this, but it is possible.
Teach you how to deceive opponents. If your opponents can tell what you have, you won’t be able to maximize the value of your strong hands and your bluffs will not pay off. Poker is a game of deception and the more you can confuse your opponents, the more money you will make.
The learning landscape for poker is very different compared to when I started out in the game back during the Moneymaker boom. Back then, there were only a few poker forums worth visiting and a limited number of books that deserved a read. Now, there are nearly infinite poker forums, a ton of poker software that you can use to train and learn, and an endless list of books being written every day.