Poker is a card game in which players place ante and blind bets before being dealt cards. The dealer then shuffles and deals each player two cards face down (or down-and-up depending on the variant of the game being played). Players then have the option to call, raise, or fold. Those with the best hand win the pot.
Teaches emotional stability in changing situations
Poker can be a stressful game and players often feel on edge. In these situations, it can be easy to let your emotions boil over in an unfiltered way that can have negative consequences. Poker teaches you to keep your emotions under control and learn how to read other people. This can be an extremely useful skill in many other areas of life, especially when trying to persuade someone to buy something or lead a group.
Builds quick instincts
Because every poker situation is different, it is important to have fast and accurate instincts. This will help you make better decisions and improve your win rate. Practicing and watching experienced players can help you develop these skills. You can also observe how they react in a specific situation and imagine how you would react in that same situation to create your own instincts.
Poker requires you to think critically and analyze quickly. This is great for your brain because it helps to strengthen neural pathways and grow myelin, which is a fiber that protects these paths.