Poker is a game of skill, where luck has a role in winning and losing hands but the more you play, the better you become. It teaches you how to read other players and adjust your strategy accordingly. You learn to notice tells, such as eye movements, idiosyncrasies and betting behavior. For example, a player who calls frequently but then raises a huge amount, may be holding a monster hand.
The game also teaches you how to analyze and interpret statistics, such as frequencies and EV estimation. These skills will become ingrained in your game after some time, so that you do not have to think about them during hands. Poker is also an excellent social game, especially if you play online. Many poker players have strong friendships and they get to know other people from all over the world with similar interests.
Poker also teaches you how to focus. There are times when you will feel like you want to quit, but you must be able to control yourself and stick with the game until it is over. This will help you improve your concentration levels in other situations as well. It is no surprise that some of the best minds on Wall Street play poker and are very successful in their careers. If you are looking to start a career in finance, playing poker is definitely something that you should consider!