Poker is a game that requires a lot of quick decision-making and mental calculations. Because of this, it has the ability to help people become better at those skills, both in poker and in other areas of life like business and investing.
Poker teaches people how to read the table — both literally and figuratively. Players need to be able to pick up on things like body language, which signals whether someone is stressed, bluffing, or happy with their hand. They also need to be able to interpret what other players are saying at the table and incorporate that into their strategy on the fly. This type of skill can be useful in any environment, from a job interview to giving a presentation.
Another important aspect of poker is assessing risks and making decisions under uncertainty. This is a necessary skill for all types of professions, and it’s something that poker can teach you how to do effectively. Because of this, many people who play poker report improved decision-making and a stronger understanding of probability and statistics.
One of the most important aspects of poker is learning how to read your opponents and understand their ranges. While new players often have tunnel vision and only think about their own hand, seasoned players know to look at the whole range of hands that an opponent could hold before they make their decision. This can be helpful when deciding whether to call or raise against a player.
