Poker is a game of skill, strategy and luck. It requires a lot of mental stimulation, so it’s a great way to keep your mind healthy and active.
Poker also helps you develop quick math skills, as well as critical thinking and analysis. These cognitive abilities help you make the right decisions in business.
Patience is another poker-specific trait that can benefit your career. This trait is vital for keeping up with the pace of a high-pressure environment, especially in the business world.
You’ll learn to stick to a plan even when you’re losing, or when you’re frustrated with your results. This can be difficult, but it’s crucial for long-term success at the poker table.
Developing Instincts
One of the most important things you can do to improve your poker instincts is practice and watch other players play. Observe the way they react to different situations and use this information to create your own style of playing.
Understanding Tells
The best poker players pay close attention to tells — involuntary reactions that their opponents show to indicate their state of mind or the strength of their hand. These tells can include everything from a player’s body language to the timbre of their voice.
A good poker player also understands how to bluff, or fake his own hand. By bluffing with a strong bet, you’re creating a situation in your opponent’s mind that may cause him to misread your cards or fold.