Poker is often perceived as a game of pure chance but once betting enters the picture there is quite a bit of skill involved. Not to mention a lot of psychology. It is a very complex game and if you’re serious about improving you will need to get your hands on some quality training sites, books and videos on the subject.
There are a number of mental skills that poker teaches you and while they might not directly apply to your life outside of the poker room they can be useful when dealing with more complicated situations.
1. Improves decision-making and critical thinking.
Poker teaches you to think about the odds of winning with each hand and to assess the strength of your opponent’s hand. These skills are very helpful in everyday life and will make you a better all-around person.
2. Teaches the importance of a solid plan of attack.
Poker requires a good strategy both for your individual session and over the long term. A solid poker strategy will teach you to have a plan A, B, C and D at the table in order to keep you on top of your opponents.
3. Teaches you to respect your opponents and not go on tilt.
While poker can be a very stressful game it also teaches you to keep your emotions in check and not show them at the table. This is a very valuable skill and will help you to deal with other situations in your life that require emotional stability.