Poker is a card game that has a lot of underlying psychology and strategy. It can also be a great way to socialise with friends and even learn some life lessons. There are ten unexpected benefits of playing poker.
1. Poker teaches you to read players.
Reading other players is a huge part of poker. You want to know when your opponent is bluffing so you can make the best decision for the hand. You can also tell how good a player is by their betting patterns. If they raise a lot of hands it means they probably have good cards. On the other hand, if they fold a lot of hands then they must be playing fairly weak ones.
2. Poker improves your hand-eye coordination.
Poker requires a lot of mental and physical energy. By the end of a poker game or tournament, it is not uncommon for players to feel exhausted. This is because they have used up a lot of brain power trying to work out the probabilities and risk of each hand.
3. Poker teaches you to be disciplined.
Being disciplined is something that all top poker players have in common. They don’t act impulsively, they don’t take big risks without doing calculations and they are courteous to other players. Being disciplined can help you avoid making a lot of mistakes that could cost you money.
4. Poker helps you develop resilience.
Poker is a game that can be played by almost everyone, unlike some sports which are only suitable for people with certain skills and abilities. It is also a game that can teach you to be resilient in the face of defeat. A good poker player won’t chase a loss or throw a tantrum; they will simply accept it and learn from their mistake.