Poker is a card game where players compete to make the best 5-card hand using their own two cards and the five community cards revealed on the table. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot, or all bets made during that round.

One of the key lessons of poker is that you cannot see your opponents’ cards. This means that your actions give away bits of information to your opponents, who use these to build a story about you. Likewise, every decision you make — whether to call, raise or fold — tells your opponents something about the strength of your hand.

As a result, poker requires high levels of cognitive maturity. Experienced poker players are able to keep their emotions in check and make good decisions under pressure, even when they’re losing. They know not to chase their losses, which can lead them into debt or ruin their bankroll. They also know when to step aside, take a break and come back with a fresh mind to be ready for the next round.

Developing these skills can help you be more successful in business and other areas of life. For example, investors who play poker say it has helped them to better analyze financial statements. Similarly, entrepreneurs who play poker have the mental discipline to stick with their plans through bad luck and setbacks. They’re also able to recognize when they’ve gotten lucky and capitalize on it.