Poker is one of the most popular card games on the planet. It’s played in everything from glitzy casinos to seedy dives. But this game is more than just fun; it can actually help people improve their lives in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways poker can make you a better person:
1. Develops your observational skills
One of the most important things that poker teaches is how to observe people. The game requires players to be able to read their opponents and understand how they’re reacting. This is a skill that can be very helpful in many different professions, from law enforcement to customer service. In fact, the ability to observe your opponents and pick up on their cues can be the difference between winning a hand and losing a hand.
2. Increases your math skills
Whether you’re a poker fanatic or just trying to get into the game, you’ll find that poker will improve your math skills. While the game does involve some elements of chance, most bets are placed based on odds and probability. This means that you’ll be forced to calculate a lot of numbers and learn how to use them in a way that will benefit your poker play. As a result, you’ll develop a strong intuition for things like frequencies and EV estimation.
3. Develops your patience
While it might not seem like poker would teach you patience, the game does just that. You’ll need to be able to control your emotions and think long-term at the poker table, so you’ll eventually learn how to stay patient even when you’re losing. This can be a very useful skill in life, and it’s something that most poker players are able to master.
4. Improves your memory
While you might not think that playing poker has anything to do with memory, the truth is that it does. The game involves a lot of number counting and addition, which can really give your brain a workout. Over time, this will strengthen your memory and make you a better player. This is a skill that will also benefit other areas of your life, such as work or school.
5. Develops your willpower
One of the biggest lessons that poker can teach you is how to control your emotions. The game can be extremely frustrating, especially when you’re losing. It’s essential to be able to stop yourself from making bad decisions or throwing away your money, and this is a skill that you can transfer to other areas of your life.
6. Improves your hand-eye coordination
While most people might not realize it, poker can help to improve your hand-eye coordination. The act of placing chips and cards in front of you helps to improve this skill, as well as the fact that poker often involves moving your hands around. As a result, your coordination will naturally improve over time.
If you want to learn more about poker, check out our list of the best books on the subject. These books will give you a comprehensive overview of the game and help you to become a better player.