Poker is a game that’s both deeply satisfying to win at and also an interesting window into human nature. The element of luck that can bolster or tank even an excellent player makes it very different from other sports, and learning to play it is a journey that’s both challenging and rewarding.
To make good decisions in poker (and in life) you need to think quickly under uncertainty and calculate probabilities. This develops your quick math skills and helps you build and strengthen neural pathways in the brain, creating myelin that helps your mind work at its best.
Whenever you play poker, you’re playing against people with all sorts of different backgrounds and personalities. Whether you’re dealing with a newbie or a million-dollar pro, each person will have a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that you need to keep in mind when evaluating their bets.
Once each player has 2 hole cards, a round of betting starts. This is prompted by mandatory bets called blinds placed into the pot by players to the left of the dealer.
Top poker players often “fast-play” their strong hands, meaning they bet aggressively to build the pot and chase off other players who may have a draw that beats theirs. Studying experienced players can help you understand how they make these type of decisions and incorporate them into your own gameplay. However, it’s important to remember that even the most experienced players can make mistakes.