If you like the idea of sharpening your decision-making skills, while also having fun, poker is for you. In fact, studies show that consistent poker play can help you make smarter decisions in all areas of life and even delay degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The game begins with a player (or group of players, depending on the variant) placing an initial amount into the pot, called an ante or blind bet. During the first betting round, after the cards are dealt and before the flop, players can choose to call, raise or fold.
After the flop, each player places another amount into the pot, which is known as their bet. The highest bet wins, and ties are broken by the high card. High card hands include a pair, two pairs and three of a kind.
When playing poker, you must learn to read the other players at the table and watch for tells. Tells can be anything from nervous habits, such as fiddling with chips or wearing a ring, to body language or the way they play the hand. The key is to be patient and wait for a situation where the poker odds are in your favour, then go all in. The best way to do this is to have a buy-in you’re comfortable losing, and don’t let your ego get in the way of good decisions. Even if you do lose your money, it’s better to lose that buy-in than to be reckless with your bankroll.