Games to Help Improve Your Poker

There’s a lot more to poker than just the luck of the draw. In fact, getting a good initial hand is less than half the battle, as any good player will tell you. You must also think strategically, balance risk and reward, make snap decisions, etc. So how do you develop and hone the skills needed to be a top poker player?

First up, there’s practice. Thanks to the abundance of online poker tables, this is pretty easy to do. But that’s not always convenient or appropriate, so what can you do in those times when playing is not an option? The good news is that there are a ton of other games you can play with friends or family, or even by yourself, that will also help sharpen the skills you need at the poker table.

Chess

First up, we’ve got chess. This classic table game is all about strategy. Good players can see about 10 to 20 moves ahead under the right circumstances. But you don’t have to be a great player for your poker to benefit from a few games of chess every now and then. Even if you’re just average, playing chess helps you get better at planning your next steps and guessing what your opponent is up to.

Backgammon

Unlike chess, backgammon throws a lot of luck and strategy into the mix, making it pretty similar to poker. You’ve got to think about probabilities, manage risks, and jump on opportunities when they pop up. Plus, it’s all about adapting your game plan on the fly. Playing backgammon can teach you to balance risk and reward, which is a huge part of poker.

Sudoku

If you’re looking for something a bit different, give Sudoku a shot. This number puzzle might seem simple, but it’s a fantastic way to boost your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Practising Sudoku can help you think fast and spot patterns, making you a sharper player when the cards are on the table.

Go

Here’s one for the thinkers: Go. This ancient game is all about strategy and long-term planning. You need to control territory while thinking a few steps ahead of your opponent. The skills you pick up from Go—like seeing the bigger picture and adjusting your strategy—are super useful in poker.

Scrabble

Let’s not forget about Scrabble. It might not seem related to poker, but hear me out! Scrabble is great for boosting your vocabulary and sharpness. While you’re forming words, you’re also training your brain to think creatively and quickly. This can help you make snap decisions during a poker game.

Memory Games

Lastly, don’t underestimate memory games! These fun exercises can boost your recall skills, which are super handy in poker. Remembering what cards have been played or how your opponents have acted can give you a big advantage.

So, there you have it! These games aren’t just about having fun – they’re also fantastic tools to sharpen your poker skills. Mix things up, enjoy some variety, and soon, you’ll be strutting your stuff at the poker table with confidence and flair. Happy playing!