If you’re looking for a great way to improve your decision-making skills, poker is the game for you. This addictive card game can boost your cognitive abilities, which can have a positive impact on other areas of your life, from work to personal relationships.

When you play poker, you must know what hands beat what. You also need to learn how to read your opponents, both physically and figuratively. You’ll need to look for tells, such as if someone’s body language indicates that they’re bluffing or feeling confident about their hand. This is a skill that can be transferred to other situations, such as when you’re making a sales pitch or leading a group.

A good poker player knows when to fold. This is because it’s important to stay in control of your emotions, even when you lose. A good poker player doesn’t throw a temper tantrum or chase every loss — they simply learn from their mistakes and move on. This ability to take the bad with the good is an essential aspect of poker, and it can benefit you in many other areas of your life.

If you have a strong poker hand, it’s important to raise the pot value by betting on it. This can force weaker players out of the hand and increase your chances of winning. However, it’s also important to know when to call, as this will keep the pressure on your opponent and reduce your risk of losing your hand.