Poker is a game of skill and chance. But it’s also a game that requires patience, reading other players and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. That’s why self-made billionaire Jenny Just believes that learning how to play poker can help young women succeed in business, too. Just, 54, co-founder of PEAK6 Investments, says she learned the value of strategic thinking and risk management as a options trader in Chicago. But it was when she started playing poker with her teen daughter a few years ago that she realized how much the strategy and skills involved in the game could apply to other areas of business.
Reading other players is crucial to poker success, as well as being able to track tells and changes in mood and body language. This takes concentration and focus, which can be difficult for some people. Being able to pay attention to these minute differences can make all the difference in the long run.
Developing comfort with risk-taking is another crucial skill in poker, as it’s a game where many bets fail and the odds of a winning hand decrease from round to round. This can be difficult for some people, but if you’re a player who’s comfortable with risk-taking, it can be an excellent way to build your confidence and improve your skills over time.
In addition to these skills, a good poker player needs the ability to calculate pot odds and percentages quickly. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to figure out whether or not it makes sense to try for a specific type of draw.