If you’ve ever been in a game of poker, you know it takes a lot of concentration. It’s a game where one misread of an opponent or a poor decision could cost you your entire stack. The more you play and watch other players play, the better your instincts will become. But there are other skills that you’ll also learn, which can benefit you in life outside of the poker table.

It teaches you to make decisions under uncertainty

Poker is all about making decisions under uncertainty. You have to estimate what your opponents’ hands might look like, what they may be betting, and how the cards on the board will affect their strategy. This kind of thinking is necessary in many areas, whether it’s business or personal finance. It can be hard to do, but it’s essential for success.

It teaches you to read other people

In poker, you have to be able to read the facial expressions and body language of your opponents to determine their emotions. This skill can help you in many other areas of your life, including work and relationships. It’s important to be able to understand other people and their motivations, so you can find ways to win them over. Poker is a great way to practice these skills because it simulates high-pressure situations that can cause people to act irrationally.

It teaches you to be aggressive

Aggression isn’t a word you usually associate with poker, but it’s a necessary skill in the game. If you’re not aggressive enough, you’ll be a victim of bad beats and lose your whole bankroll. However, if you’re aggressive, your opponents will think twice about going head-to-head against you. They’ll either call your raises or think you’re bluffing and fold instead. This is a good way to keep your winning streaks and prevent yourself from losing too much money.