Poker is a game that puts an individual’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It also teaches valuable life lessons that can be applied to other areas of one’s life, like business.
While it may be easy to believe that poker is all about luck, the truth is that this game requires a lot of work and dedication to get good at. Just like running a business, there will be times when you lose money, but the more you put in and learn, the better you will become.
One of the biggest lessons that poker teaches is how to make decisions under uncertainty. Whether it’s investing, poker or any other activity, making wise decisions in the face of uncertainty requires first having an open mind and then estimating the probabilities of different scenarios.
The math involved in poker, such as frequencies and EV estimation, can be intimidating for a beginner. But with the right mindset and practice, these concepts can be ingrained in your poker brain in no time at all.
The game also teaches the importance of being assertive and taking charge. Oftentimes, players get into trouble when they are passive and let other people dominate the table. It is a crucial lesson to remember that sometimes you have to force the action to make money. This means not shying away from the big bets and taking control of the pot. A good way to learn this is by studying the style of famous poker players and emulating their strategy.
