Poker is a game that requires attention to detail. It also requires the ability to read other players. This teaches you how to read body language and facial expressions, which can help you in other areas of life. It is also a good way to develop patience and discipline.
Another thing that poker teaches you is how to manage risk. It is a game of chance, but if you play smart and make calculated decisions, then you can maximize your profits. This is an important skill in all aspects of life, as you will often find yourself making big decisions that involve a certain amount of risk. It can be useful in business for example, when you are in a job interview and have to weigh up your options.
If you are playing a weak hand like K10, it is generally not worth staying in to see the flop. Instead, you should be either folding or raising – the middle option (limping) is not usually the correct route to take. Top players often fast-play their strong hands, which means they bet frequently to build the pot and chase off others that may have draws that can beat them.
Mixing up your style is crucial in poker, as it makes it harder for your opponents to work out what you have. If they always know what you have, then your bluffs won’t be profitable and you will never get paid off on your strong hands.