Poker is a strategic card game that pushes an individual’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the limit. It is also a game that indirectly teaches a variety of life lessons, especially self-control and endurance.

1. Teaches the importance of making decisions under uncertainty

A big part of playing poker is deciding in situations where you don’t have all the information. This skill can help you in many facets of your life, whether it’s business or other activities. It also helps you to develop an ability to estimate probabilities and possible outcomes of different scenarios.

2. Teaches the value of patience

In poker, it is important to stay patient and wait for the right opportunity to play a good hand. This is an essential aspect of the game that can be applied to many areas of your life, from business to relationships. Being patient can be an effective way to get better results in any situation.

3. Teaches the importance of having a plan B, C, etc

One of the most important aspects of poker is having a diverse range of tactics to combat your opponents. If you have the smallest hint that your opponent has read your strategy, you need to be prepared with a range of ways to unsettle them. This is why a solid warm-up routine is essential to your success at the poker table. It will help you to improve the consistency of your decisions by removing distractions from your thinking process.