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Poker is a game of skill, psychology, and strategy. Marte Ruud Sandberg knows this all too well, with numerous cashes over her poker career, including cashes on the European Poker Tour and at the World Series of Poker.
Away from the poker tables, she’s also a Partner and Senior Adviser at First House, Norway’s leading communications agency. Earlier this year, she delivered a TEDx Talk in Arendal, Norway, on ‘Why poker players are better decision-makers’. In the talk, she explains about a hand from the WSOP where she holds pocket aces and uses it to draw parallels between poker and business.
In her analysis of the game, she highlights three crucial lessons that people can apply to their everyday lives.
1. Knowing What Information Matters
In poker, players are constantly bombarded with information, from how opponents bet to subtle behavioral cues. The key to making the right decision lies in identifying which details are relevant and which are distractions.
“Excelling in life, business, or sports is all about knowing what information to focus on,” says Sandberg. “And what not to spend time on.”
The ability to filter out noise and focus on critical data leads to better decision-making. Whether you’re a poker player studying your opponent, athletes tracking their opponents, or teachers needing to understand their students’ needs.
2. Understanding How Others Perceive You
In poker, a player’s table image can significantly influence the actions of others. If a player is seen as aggressive, they may force weaker hands to fold; if they appear passive, they may invite more challenges.
“[If] I bet a very small size on this flop — less than a quarter of the pot — does my opponent see this as weakness?” said Sandberg. “It’s difficult to understand how I look through his eyes. None of us really fully understand how we come across to others.”
The same concept extends to professional and personal interactions. Whether in leadership, negotiations, or networking, being aware of how others view you allows for strategic adjustments in communication and behavior, ultimately leading to more favorable outcomes.
3. Separating Decisions from Results
Even the best decisions don’t always yield immediate success. Sandberg emphasizes the importance of evaluating decisions based on the reasoning behind them rather than the outcome alone.
“In poker, because of variance, you can do the right play and still lose the pot. But we don’t care,” she says. “The question is, if you do it enough times, will it be a profitable play? And if the answer is yes, you should be happy even though you lost the pot. “
This mindset is essential in business and life, where setbacks can occur despite careful planning. By focusing on long-term strategy and sound decision-making processes, individuals can navigate challenges with resilience and maintain confidence in their choices.
“Focusing on results will take your focus away from what really matters – your decisions.”
Combining Skills in Poker and Business
Poker is a game of calculated risks, strategic thinking, and emotional control—traits that define great players and successful individuals in any field. Sandberg exemplifies how mastering these skills at the poker table can translate into broader success, offering lessons that resonate far beyond the world of cards.
Whether you’re making a business decision, negotiating a deal, or simply navigating life’s uncertainties, the principles she champions serve as a powerful guide to making smarter, more confident choices.
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