Poker is a game that puts a player’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It is also a game that indirectly teaches life lessons. Here are some of them:
The first and most important lesson poker teaches is emotional control. Emotions like fear, anger and sadness are all normal when playing poker and you must learn to conceal them when necessary. This is especially true when you are against stronger opponents who are looking for any weakness that they can exploit.
Another great lesson from poker is how to be patient. Often times when you are in a bad position at the table it is very tempting to make a large bet to try and get yourself back into the hand. However, this can be a big mistake because more often than not your opponent will call your bet and you will end up losing your stack.
Finally, poker teaches you how to read other players’ body language and facial expressions. You must be able to detect any signs of weakness or fear from your opponents and adjust your play accordingly. This is a skill that you can carry into your everyday life, regardless of what you do for a living.
Finally, poker is a game that should be fun. Regardless of whether you are a hobby poker player or a professional, you will perform best when you are happy. So, don’t play poker when you are feeling angry, frustrated or tired.