I recently sat down and played poker for the first time in years. It was a sit down game, $50 buy-in and no surprise I ended up being the first out, but it got me thinking about how poker is a a gold-mine of learning self-development as it combines strategy, probability, people reading, confidence and risk taking to name a few.

Intricacies of simplicity

Poker is a relatively simple game on the surface but it’s the combination of the intricate sub-factors listed above that brew below the simple mechanics that truly make the game special.

Take bluffing for example; a big part of success in poker. Learning how to read your opponent, acknowledging their actions and reactions to what’s unfolding on the table is very telling as to how that person may be in a business negotiation for example.

Risk tolerance and confidence also come to mind as very interesting aspects of playing poker. I found myself a relatively conservative player, particularly after a few losing hands. This is interesting to me as typically I have a high risk tolerance.

You vs you

Although in poker you are obviously playing against the others on the table, there’s also a strong element of playing against yourself. What I mean by that also ties into risk tolerance and confidence, but more in regards to knowing when to bet big, check to other players, when to fold etc. During a game of poker you’re currently having internal dialogues and having to reassess your opinions and decisions in an instant as the game moves. Once again, this ability to react quickly, and observe the action and take initiative accordingly are all valuable skills in life and work.

Last words

Whether it's honing your ability to read others through their tells, managing your risk tolerance, or maintaining confidence amid uncertainty, poker offers a microcosm of the challenges and skills that we encounter in life and work.

I feel that games like poker provide a rich training ground for personal growth. It challenges us to master ourselves as much as the game, pushing us to sharpen our instincts, trust our judgments, and embrace both the wins and losses with equal grace. So, while I may have been the first out in my recent game, the experience left me with some valuable reflections and a renewed appreciation for the intricate dance of skill and psychology that poker embodies.