Not a Silly Game: Is Playing Poker Good for Your Brain?

There are many different schools of thought about poker, each saying various things. That it’s a game of luck, skill, or merely random probability, either way, playing poker can help you improve your mental skills and speed.

We’ve compiled this article with the help of our expert, Chris Haagensen, whose profile you can view here. Keep reading if you’d like to know more about the benefits of a poker game for your brain. Get ready to select your preferred online casino and make the most of your oddsbonus.

Emotional Control

The game of poker is known as one that takes a lot of facial and emotional control. One of the most important aspects of playing poker is how you hold yourself at the table. A lot of beginners struggle with self-control and maintaining their ‘poker face’.

It’s difficult not to let our emotions rule our decision making, and poker is a game that requires constant focus and steady reasoning. Players who can control their facial expressions and emotional cues at a table are often the most intimidating and challenging to read. This makes it difficult for the other players to judge your cards and, therefore, their bet effectively.

This skill can extend into other parts of life. Managing your emotions in a social setting is essential and will improve your interactions with others. Playing online is a great way to practice, and you can take a break in between games to ‘reset’ and try again.

Social Benefits

Whether you are playing online or at a physical casino, you’re likely to be talking to and interacting with other players. After all, you’re among people with similar interests and hobbies. Chatting helps develop communication and social skills. You can also learn tips and tricks from other, more experienced players.

Communicating and having banter with other players is a lot more fun than just sitting in silence and significantly reduces stress levels. Many online casinos have welcoming communities with a great mix of new and experienced players.

Along with casual socialising, playing poker can help you with business too. It develops your decision making, emotional reasoning, quick thinking, and attentiveness to body language. All of these skills will further your confidence in business interactions and decisions.

Mind Workout

Poker games can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour; in this time there are a lot of decisions to make and loads of information to process.  You must be focused and remember the cards played in every round and read your opponents and figure out their cues. Many aspects prove poker is a mind game as much as it’s a game of luck.

But is poker good for the brain? In short, yes. Memorising events around the table and analysing your opponents will only make your game better, but it takes a lot of concentration. It requires emotional, mental and physical control. Practising skills like math, dexterity and concentration can develop cognitive abilities. Poker includes all those skills in one, fun game.

Apart from developing your math skills- analysing and understanding your opponents gives your brain a workout in abstract thinking and noticing small details. Developing these skills can help with your mental health, abilities and social skills.

Conclusion

Poker is a game of luck and skill that more than 10% of Norwegians play online. The game develops social, mental, and emotional skills while being a fun outlet and stress reliever. Poker involves math, concentration, dexterity, and sound reasoning, as well as a little bit of luck and a lot of patience.

All these aspects of poker make it one of the best ways to develop your mental abilities while having fun and maybe making a bit of money as a bonus. Visit our website for recommendations of the best casinos in Norway.