Poker is a game that requires both luck and skill. It’s about reading the other players and knowing what they’re doing to make better decisions. It’s about knowing what to call, raise and fold based on the cards you have and how other people are betting. And it’s about having the skills to keep making those decisions even when you don’t have all the information (which is a big part of any job that involves decision-making).
In order to be good at poker, you need to be good at estimating probabilities. That’s true in poker and in finance, and it’s also true in life: Being able to weigh the odds of getting something against the cost of trying to get it can help you decide whether a certain project is worth your time or money. It can also help you make wise investments in your career, or figure out how much to spend on a date.
The quick math skills required for poker can help you improve your overall cognitive function, including critical thinking and analysis. That’s why some of the smartest minds on Wall Street play poker, and it’s a reason kids who develop their poker skills early may have a leg up when they apply for jobs in finance or other industries that require quick calculation. And, like any other cognitive skill, poker can be improved by practice. The more you play, the faster your brain will learn to process and evaluate information, and the better you’ll be able to deal with whatever life throws at you.