Poker is a game that requires a lot of mental calculation and thinking. Playing the game for a long time will help you become a better decision maker and more proficient in mental arithmetic.
The game also helps you train your focus. In a world filled with phones, tablets and TV screens it can be tough to stay focused on a single activity for a extended period of time. However, by sitting through countless losing sessions and keeping playing at your best you will learn to keep your concentration and focus on the things that matter.
Moreover, poker is an aggressive game, and it will teach you how to be more aggressive when you need it. Whether it’s calling a raise when you have a strong hand or bluffing for extra value against an opponent that you know is reluctant to fold, being more aggressive at the poker table will help you be more aggressive in your personal life.
Finally, the game will also teach you how to assess risks and make better decisions. By learning how to assess your risk in a more cold and detached way, you can improve your game and eventually make it from a break even beginner player to a big time winner. It is a very valuable skill to have in life, especially when dealing with business negotiations and other situations. It will help you avoid making costly mistakes that can cost you a lot of money.