A game of poker requires a lot of attention to detail and can teach you how to read other players. While a lot of this is about subtle physical poker tells, such as scratching your nose or fiddling nervously with chips, some of it also involves patterns. Players who call often and fold seldom, for instance, are probably playing pretty strong hands. Reading other players is a key aspect of the game and it helps you develop a stronger strategy.
The game also teaches you to control your emotions. Regardless of the outcome of any particular hand, a good player will never chase a loss or throw a tantrum. Instead, they will take it as a learning opportunity and work to improve next time. This kind of mental control can have benefits beyond the poker table and can be applied to other aspects of life.
The other important thing to learn is the rules of the game. This includes knowing what beats what, such as a straight beating three of a kind and a flush beating a full house. This can help you decide how much to raise or fold during a hand. In addition, you should learn the basics of probability and game theory to make better decisions in poker. This can be done by studying charts and studying the way other players play. It is also helpful to discuss your game with other players to get a fresh perspective on your play.