When people ask me what I do for a living, I either get one of two reactions: 1) A look of shock and pity and 2) an impassioned demand to reveal all my secrets about poker. However, both reactions have a lot to do with the fact that, for many people, poker is seen as some sort of crazy gamble that can only be played by fools. Fortunately, the truth is that there are many benefits of poker for people who learn to play it properly.
Firstly, it can help improve your understanding of probability. This can have a positive impact on your decision-making in other areas of life, especially if you’re looking to improve your career.
Another benefit of poker is that it can help develop concentration and focus. The game requires players to pay attention to the cards, their opponents’ actions and body language, and a range of other minute details. Having the ability to concentrate and ignore distractions is important in all aspects of life, and learning how to do so can be a great skill to have.
Finally, playing poker can also help you learn to manage risk. It’s vital to never bet more than you can afford to lose, and poker teaches players to make tough decisions based on logic. It can also teach you to be more tolerant of bad luck, and to accept losses without a tantrum.
It’s also worth noting that the game can be a great way to meet new people. Many players have found that poker has helped them to socialise and make friends, both online and in real life.