Poker is a game that can push your analytical, mathematical and interpersonal skills to the limit. But it also teaches many life lessons that will serve you well in the rest of your endeavors. Whether you’re an amateur or a million-dollar pro, these underlying lessons are a must for anyone looking to make the most of their time at the table.

1. Teaches the value of critical thinking

There are few activities that can better exercise a person’s decision-making capabilities than playing poker. As you play, your brain will be constantly assessing the strength of your hand and the chances of hitting a certain draw. This constant critical evaluation will improve your ability to assess situations and determine the most profitable course of action. These skills will prove useful long after you leave the poker room and will help you make wiser decisions in every facet of your life.

2. teaches the concept of risk-versus-reward

Poker requires players to put in an initial amount of money before being dealt cards. These forced bets, called antes and blinds, create the pot and encourage competition. The best poker players know how to balance these odds and decide whether a particular play will be profitable or not.

3. teaches the value of reading tells

A good poker player is able to read the subtle clues that other players give off when they play. These clues include eye movements, idiosyncrasies, betting behavior and more. Knowing what to look for will allow you to place your opponents on a range of possible hands, so that you can make a more informed call or raise.