Poker is a game that puts your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It is also a game that indirectly teaches you a lot of life lessons.

1. Poker teaches you how to make decisions under uncertainty.

Making decisions under uncertainty is an important skill that can be applied to many different situations in your life. Poker is a great way to learn how to do this, because the game often has you acting under pressure without all the information available. This will help you when you’re in other high-pressure situations in your life, such as deciding whether to take a risky business deal or make an investment.

2. Poker teaches you to read your opponents.

To improve your poker play, you need to be able to read your opponent. This is not as easy as it sounds, but it’s an essential skill for any good player. It involves observing subtle physical tells such as scratching your nose or playing nervously with your chips, as well as paying attention to patterns. For example, if an opponent is calling all the time it’s likely that they are holding a weak hand and you can use this information to your advantage by making a bluff. Similarly, if an opponent raises a lot it could be that they are holding a strong hand and you can fold. Eventually, you’ll be able to pick up on all sorts of tells and use them to your advantage.