Poker requires an enormous amount of mental activity. It also involves observing your opponents and their body language to get an edge. Consequently, it’s no wonder that good players are mentally sharp and ready to make the right decisions on the fly.

It’s no secret that good poker players have excellent critical thinking skills. The game trains the brain to think straight and clear without being influenced by any minute emotion or distraction. It’s this type of thinking that will serve you well when dealing with other people in daily life.

Another important skill that poker teaches is to be selective in the games you participate in. You should commit to playing the most profitable games and limit your losses. This way you’ll have more chances to win and will be able to learn from your mistakes.

Aside from being selective in the games you play, you should also commit to smart bankroll management. Set a specific number of chips you’ll buy in for every session and over the long term and stick to it. This will keep your emotions in check and prevent you from getting too carried away with winning or losing streaks.

Finally, poker also helps to improve hand-eye coordination. You’ll be using your hands frequently when you’re playing poker and they will need to be precise and quick. This will help you with your overall motor skills and could possibly prevent the onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s.