Poker can be an incredibly complex mixture of math and psychology (sprinkled with a little bit of art for good measure), making it an incredibly rewarding game to play, but also one that can leave you very confused. From the start, when you’re trying to improve your poker skills and are confronted with a sea of articles and Youtube videos full of terminology that is foreign to you, it can feel overwhelming.
The truth is, however, that poker can teach you a lot of valuable life lessons. It teaches you to take control of your emotions, whether you’re winning or losing. It teaches you to focus on the important things and to study your opponents. It teaches you to recognise tells and body language, and it teaches you to read your own emotions and conceal them when necessary.
It teaches you how to apply probability theory and conduct risk-reward analyses. It teaches you to stick with a plan and not give up, even when it seems like you’re losing your mind or the money is just disappearing into thin air. And most importantly, it teaches you that you can achieve your goals if you are willing to work for them.
As with most things in life, action is the greatest teacher and poker is no exception. But don’t forget to study outside of the poker table, too – there are some incredible resources available for poker players, from books like Dan Harrington’s ‘Hold’em’ and Doyle Brunson’s Super System through to poker blogs and other poker professionals.
