A lot of people think poker is a game of chance, but the truth is it requires quite a bit of skill. It teaches players to read their opponents and understand how to manipulate them in order to win (which translates to being a great people person). Plus, it’s also a great way to practice patience and learn to control your emotions.

A good poker player is able to quickly analyze a situation and make decisions based on a quick calculation of risk vs reward. This is a great exercise for your brain and helps develop quick math skills as well as critical thinking. The more you play, the better you get at it.

For example, you’re dealt a pair of kings off the deal and they’re not terrible. You call a bet from Charley and put a dime into the pot. She then raises your call, and you have to decide if you’re calling for value or trying to bluff.

When you make the right decision, you can keep betting and eventually win the pot. But if you don’t, you have to be able to admit your mistake and move on without a huge temper tantrum. This type of resilience is a valuable life lesson and something that you can carry into other aspects of your life, such as job interviews or presentations.