Poker is a game that puts an individual’s analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the test. It also indirectly teaches many life lessons.

One of the biggest lessons that poker teaches is how to deal with temptation. Whether it is from your opponents bluffing, or you wavering between aggressive and cautious play, poker is full of situations where human nature will try to derail you. But by overcoming those temptations, you can become a much better player.

The next lesson is how to manage risk. While poker is a game of skill, it is still gambling and you can lose money. But if you are smart about how you bet and how you manage your bankroll, you can minimize the risks.

Another important lesson is how to improve hand-eye coordination. When you play poker, you must constantly move your chips and cards, which helps to improve these manual skills. Plus, when you’re playing poker, you must concentrate on the cards and your opponents, which further bolsters these physical abilities.

Finally, poker is a great way to improve your decision-making skills. You must make quick decisions when other players call your raises, and you have to know which hands are worth making a bet on. This teaches you how to think quickly under pressure, which will help you in other aspects of your life.