Poker is a game that requires an analytical and mathematical mind. It also tests one’s physical endurance and social skills. It’s not surprising then, that the game teaches life lessons that can be applied outside of the tables.
1. Teaches resilience and perseverance
If you play poker consistently, you will face losses. The important thing is to learn from these and stay the course. A good poker player won’t chase a bad beat or throw a tantrum; instead, they will simply fold and move on. This skill can help you in other areas of your life, such as being able to deal with failure in the workplace.
2. Improves attention span
Poker requires a high level of concentration. There are many distractions, including mobile phones, TV screens, and other players. Learning to focus can be difficult, but poker can help you build this skill. It’s important to be able to concentrate for long periods of time, especially when you’re playing tournament poker. You should always be able to tell when you’re losing focus and stop playing poker if you feel your performance slipping.
3. Teaches the importance of deception
Being a successful poker player means being able to trick your opponents into thinking you have something they don’t. This is crucial for getting paid off when you have a strong value hand, as well as being able to successfully bluff in certain situations. Poker teaches you how to be deceptive, which can be beneficial in other areas of your life.