Poker is a game that puts many of your analytical and interpersonal skills to the test. The game is a great way to hone your mental and physical endurance, but it also teaches many valuable life lessons that can be applied outside of the game itself.
The first skill that poker teaches is how to make decisions quickly. This is especially important in a high stakes game where you are under pressure from the other players and the dealer to act fast. Making quick decisions can help you save money on costly mistakes and make more winning moves.
Another important poker skill is reading other players. This can be done with subtle physical tells such as scratching your nose or playing nervously with your chips, but it is usually based on pattern recognition. If a player is folding all the time then you can assume that they are holding pretty weak hands. If a player is betting all the time then you can assume they are holding strong hands.
Poker also teaches you the importance of risk vs reward. You need to take risks in poker to win, but you should never bet more money than you can afford to lose. A good poker player will be able to fold a bad hand and learn from it rather than continuing to throw their money away. This ability to accept defeat and move on is a valuable life skill that can be applied to any situation in life.