Poker is a game of skill and strategy. While some people play it strictly for money, others take pride in making the best hand every time they sit down to a table. However, it is not only about winning the pot; playing poker also has a variety of benefits. A recent study even suggests that poker players have a lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who don’t play the game.

One of the most valuable skills that you can develop through poker is risk assessment. This is a critical skill for both business and life, as it helps you evaluate the likelihood of future gains and losses before making decisions. While it might be easy to overlook potential negative outcomes in the heat of battle, learning how to recognize them will help you make better decisions in the long run.

Another benefit of poker is that it forces you to be patient and learn how to control your emotions. While it might be tempting to chase your losses or try to make up for a big loss, this will only lead to more bad bets and eventually burn you out.

As you continue to play, you will become more aware of how to read the other players at the table. This will allow you to spot their tells and adjust your strategy accordingly. It will also teach you how to focus on the present moment and ignore distractions. This will be a huge asset in the real world, where it will be difficult to resist the temptations of social media or other activities.