Poker makes you handy

The other day I found the rear brakes on my hybrid were worn clear down to the nubbins. In the past I would have had no idea what to do.

Likewise, a few weeks ago when I found that my rear tire on my car was flat and it was impossible to move the bolt that anchored my tire jack from the trunk, I would have been pretty helpless if this happened a few years back.

But I really do feel like poker has helped because in both cases I went into problem solving mode. I was able to figure out what to loosen up to get the brakes removed and then replaced. I was then able to make some small adjustments so the brakes aligned just right on my bike rims.

And in the flat tire case, I was able to find a tool -- in this case a channel locks wrench that my dad left at my place one time -- to force the bolt to loosen so I could get the jack out.

Maybe I could have figured this all out, eventually, without being a poker player. But having experience day in and day out to analyze any situation -- and act accordingly -- really does help.