krysten-ritter

Poker is a skill-based card game that puts your thinking, analytical process and social skills to the test. While it is not as recreational and enjoyable as playing a game of Frisbee in the park with friends, top-level poker does require intense focus that can provide lifelong benefits if you master it.

1. Emotional control

Poker teaches you how to deal with losing and winning, which is an important life lesson. It also teaches you to keep your emotions in check and not let them influence your decision making or overall strategy. This type of discipline can be applied to other areas of your life, especially in work or in personal relationships.

2. Reading hands

You will learn to read other people’s hands to see their betting patterns and understand what they are trying to accomplish. This will help you decide whether to call their bets and how much to raise or fold. This can be extremely useful in tournament play.

3. Aggression

You can make more money by being aggressive when it makes sense. However, being too aggressive can be costly. So, it is important to only bet when you have a strong hand.

4. Position

Having good position allows you to bet more easily when you have a strong hand. It can also help you control the size of the pot. If you are in position, you will have the option to raise more often than your opponents.