Poker is a game that involves a lot of skill. It is the only gambling game that requires a substantial amount of mental skill to excel at. It also helps hone critical thinking skills because you must be able to analyze the situation at hand and decide on a plan of action. In addition, you must be able to read other people’s body language and detect tells. This ability can serve you well in any situation, whether it be at a poker table or in business.

Another aspect of poker that makes it a great learning tool is the way it improves your math skills. It teaches you how to calculate odds in real time, which is a skill that is extremely helpful when making decisions in the heat of the moment. Plus, the more you play poker, the faster your math skills will become.

Finally, poker also teaches you how to control your emotions. This is important because if you let your anger or stress outbursts get out of control, it can lead to negative consequences in the long run.

Moreover, consistent playing of poker is believed to delay degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is because it encourages your brain to build and strengthen neural pathways and increase the myelin that surrounds these paths. This, in turn, improves your memory and cognitive function.