Poker is a great game for improving your decision-making skills and cognitive functioning. The analytical thinking required for success in poker can be applied to other areas of life, including work and personal relationships. Here are some of the ways that playing poker can benefit your brain:
Observational skills
The best players are always on the lookout for their opponents’ tells. These involuntary reactions are often subtle and can include anything from a darting of the eyes or twitching of the eyebrows to a change in the timbre of voice. If you are aware of these tells, you can accurately read the emotions and intentions of other players. This skill set is a critical element of poker strategy and can be used to your advantage against less skilled opponents.
Numbers
It’s no secret that there is a lot of math involved in poker, from odds calculations to EV estimation. Most poker players shy away from this type of work, but if you take the time to study it, you can become more proficient at poker and start making smarter decisions under uncertainty. Learning and internalizing these numbers will also improve your intuition, which is another important facet of poker decision-making.
Risk assessment
Poker is not without risk, even for the most skilled players. The best way to avoid major losses is to play conservatively and never bet more than you can afford to lose. In addition to helping you manage your bankroll, this principle will teach you how to evaluate risks and make wise bets.
Resilience
One of the most valuable lessons you can learn from poker is how to handle disappointment and failure. A good poker player won’t chase a bad hand or throw a temper tantrum, but will simply fold and learn from the experience. This level of resilience can be applied to other areas of life, as it allows you to bounce back from adversity and continue working toward your goals.
Position
Poker is a game of position, and being in the late position gives you a much better chance at winning. The reason for this is that you will have more information about your opponent’s action than when you are in early position. This is especially important when deciding whether to call or raise preflop.
