Poker Is The Game Of Life

The game of poker has been an eye-opener for me in the way I view decisions and make bets in terms of life. Life is full of decisions and "betting" on making the right one. For instance, if I were to ever obtain a hand such as a royal flush(10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace all suited) I would be considered a fool to fold the best hand possible because it is guaranteed I would win that hand. That hand is immutable to being beat, so knowing this amount of information is essential to inevitably win the hand. This concept requires knowledge; the more knowledge you consume about life akin to poker, the more you'll be able to differentiate between good and bad decisions. Poker in and of itself seems like a simple game once you get the hang of it, but its sophistication lies in the beholder of the other set of cards(life).

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When I say everyone should learn the game of poker, that is not an exaggeration by any means. Knowledge derives from the study and experience of anything that you come across in life, deeming the decisions we have to make based on that knowledge relatively good or bad. Let me lay down the axiom of poker to anyone who is not familiar with the game:

"There are two ways to win at poker:

Either (1) you bluff (by betting or raising) and force your opponents to fold their poker hands.

Or (2) you have the best poker hand at showdown (when two or more players show their hands after all the betting rounds have finished).

Usually, you’re looking to make the best 5-card poker hand.

Here is a poker hand ranking chart (with examples) of the best possible poker hands:

1. Royal Flush: A-K-Q-J-T (all in the same suit)

2. Straight Flush: 8-7-6-5-4 (all in the same suit)

3. 4-of-a-Kind: A-4-4-4-4

4. Full House (Boat): A-A-A-J-J (three of one, two of the other)

5. Flush: A-J-8-4-2 (all in the same suit)

6. Straight: 8-7-6-5-4 (of various suits)

7. 3-of-a-Kind (Set/Trips): A-K-5-5-5

8. Two Pair: A-K-5-5-5

9. One Pair: A-A-7-4-2

10. High Card: A-Q-9-6-3 (different suits, non-connected, unpaired)"

I could probably write an entire book trying to explain every move, rules in certain situations, and thought processes associated with this game. The point being there are LOTS of alternatives to betting, folding, and bluffing when it comes to playing poker and in life. Knowing your opponent's betting styles, certain looks your opponents make when they have a good hand, and bluffing patterns are all intricate ways of understanding how to win in the game of poker. This all relates to life because when we are presented with opportunities or plights that we are unfamiliar with, we can either get lucky or be in the biggest predicament. The common denominator here is that the more experience we can obtain in life, the more discernment we can have to make the best decision. If you are unable to make a discerning decision at the moment, that is where we are to consult our loved ones, professionals, and God for the knowledge we most desperately need. When you play the game of poker you will realize how much it can truly teach you about life and how similar it is. I am on the verge of turning 22 which means I have a lot of learning to do in the present and future but learning this humbling concept has been exponentially beneficial to my character and mindset of obtaining more knowledge! You are your biggest enemy, it is imperative that we take heed of our lives and strive to pursue one of the biggest concepts of the world and that is procuring knowledge!