Poker is a card game that involves betting between players. The game is played in a variety of ways, including as a casino table game or at home with friends. The game requires a high level of concentration, as it is easy to get distracted by other players or other factors that might influence the outcome. It also helps players develop good observation skills, as they must be able to notice tells and other changes in behaviour in order to make smart decisions.

It teaches you to manage risk

Even if you’re a great poker player, chances are you will lose some sessions. But the key to learning from your losses is to understand that they are just part of the process. You can build your comfort with risk by taking smaller risks in lower-stakes games, and by limiting your losses when you decide that a particular strategy is not working.

It teaches you to be patient

Poker teaches you how to be patient, a skill that’s applicable in many situations in life. For example, it can be frustrating when a friend makes a big mistake that costs you the game, but you have to remember that they’re human and that mistakes will happen. By learning to be patient, you can avoid being frustrated by things you cannot change and instead focus on the positive aspects of your game. This skill is particularly useful in business, where it’s often necessary to deal with uncertainty.