Poker isn’t just a fun pastime – it has been shown to bring some surprising and positive mental benefits as well. These can help players in both their work and personal lives, helping them become more creative, flexible, and self-aware.

Logic and Calculation

Poker requires calculation to make the best decisions, so it’s no surprise that it improves your math skills. Not in the traditional 1+1=2 way, but rather by teaching you to work out odds in your head, and then use that information to make smart bets at the right times. This type of thinking is incredibly useful outside the poker table too, as it can be applied to many situations in life that require critical analysis.

Pot Control

A big part of poker strategy involves knowing how to control the size of a pot. Top players are able to “fast-play” their strong hands, building the pot and pushing away other players who may be waiting for a better draw. This ability to control the size of a pot can be hugely beneficial at a cash game, and also in tournament play too.

Resilience

Being a good poker player requires a certain amount of resilience, as losing a hand is always going to happen. This is why it’s important to learn to accept defeat, but then move on quickly, and try to pick up lessons from the experience that can be applied to your next hand. Ultimately this will lead to more wins in the long run.