Poker is a card game in which players bet against each other (in the form of chips) while playing a hand of cards. The player with the highest ranked hand wins the “pot” – all of the money that was bet during that hand. If there is a tie, then the high card wins (this also breaks ties between pairs).
There’s no doubt that poker improves your math skills – not just in a standard 1+1=2 way, but by forcing you to think critically about how much you can bet and how strong your opponents’ hands are. It also forces you to keep track of your winnings and losses if you’re serious about improving, which is great practice for real life situations!
Aside from math, poker also strengthens your ability to read other people. This is a key part of being an effective poker player, and a big reason why many entrepreneurs and athletes find that poker is a good training ground.
It’s a great social game too, which is why it’s so popular in retirement homes and other group settings. Not only does it encourage communication and teamwork, but it’s also a fantastic stress reliever.