Poker is a game of chance, but it also has an element of skill that can bolster or tank even the best player. And, like many games that involve a lot of betting, it can be a good way to train yourself to be more mindful about your own decision making process.
In poker, players make a number of decisions throughout each hand: whether to fold or call; how much to raise; and if they should bluff. These decisions have a huge impact on the final result of each hand. As a result, it is often easier to spot unskillful play in poker than it is in other games that require betting.
As in real life, you will likely lose money at times, but the most successful poker players take those losses in stride and learn from their mistakes. They know that chasing bad beats could cost them more than they can afford, so they’re willing to take a step back and regroup before they try again. This mental maturity is a valuable skill that can be applied to a variety of situations outside of the poker table.
A good poker player is selective with their hands, only playing strong ones and folding weak ones. They understand that it’s not in their best interests to overcommit to bad cards and that attempting to improve them is usually a waste of time. This type of discipline can be applied to other areas of your life, such as choosing a career or picking the right investments for your portfolio.