While there’s a widespread notion that poker is a game of chance, it actually has quite a bit of skill involved. It’s not that there’s a lot of luck, but the players have to decide when and how to put money into the pot based on probability, psychology, and game theory.
Those decisions are often made in the face of extreme emotions like stress, fear, anxiety and excitement. They have to learn how to control those emotions and hide them from their opponents. This is a great life lesson because it helps them in real-life situations when they are facing those same emotions outside the poker table.
Poker also teaches players to make sound financial decisions. They have to set their bankroll for every session and over the long term, and they have to stick to it. They also have to know how much they can risk on a single hand and when to call a bet or raise one. This teaches them to think strategically and be prepared for the worst.
Playing poker also builds physical and mental endurance. It’s not easy to sit for long sessions at the poker table, especially if you’re playing with a group of people. It requires a lot of focus and concentration, as well as the ability to stay focused on the task at hand without getting distracted by other players’ talking or their phones. It also teaches patience, since the best poker players can sometimes go hours without winning a hand.