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Questions involving psychology

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11:26 am
July 27, 2007


threads13

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Indiana

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I wanted to post some questions in the 'Ask an Expert' section of ITH but I wasn't able to get a name signed up. 

 

I have been thinking a lot lately about my own growth as a player and I find that a lot of my remaining problems are rooted in psychology.  It is quite a bit of a wide array that consists of everything from caring about the money too much(and being in denial about that) to focus at the table and things of this nature.

 

Ed, I was curious if you had any problems like this when you were coming up through the ranks? 

 

I find that my main goal now is to make sure that I am staying focused and making the right plays all the time.  In a certain sense it is tilt related if you take John Freeney's definition of tilt.   I know I have work to go in poker theory, but I feel that remaining focused and having a grip on my own thoughts will be a big leap in working on my game as a whole.  I will pick up on theory things because my mind is more open and my mind will become even more open as I learn more theory.  Of at least that is how I envision it working…. :)

 

 

I was thinking about looking into some books to get a better idea on how to maintain focus and also pick up some information on denial and other related topics.  Any suggestions? 

8:40 pm
July 30, 2007


Ed Miller

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Hrmm.. no books that I've read come to mind about how to help out. But absolutely yes, I struggled a lot with some of these psychological issues as I was hammering out my play style.

Honestly, one of the biggest things I've found is that I find it tremendously comforting to have a BANKROLL. Not like, "I have a job, I can take money out of my checking account whenever I want." Like, "Here is $10,000 that is devoted solely to playing $1-$2 NL, and I should never go broke with this stake."

That takes some of the sting out of losing for me. As long as I know I'm totally rolled for what I'm playing, I really don't care a bit if I lose. Obviously not everyone will have that luxury, but it helps me a lot.

Otherwise, I just actively tried to desensitize myself. Everyone loses. Losing is an integral part of the game. Every time I play, I learn something, win or lose. I'm not playing to win, I'm playing to improve, and the winning will take care of itself.

I worked through it enough times until it became true for me, and I just shrugged every time I lost.  

3:24 pm
July 31, 2007


Michael Connor

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Good thing I had my calculator handy since a guest has to do some math. :)

I can recommend a book since I am not an author or an expert. The Poker Mindset helped me quit a bit with the psychologically aspect of the game. You can read about it on ITH web site.

3:35 pm
July 31, 2007


threads13

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Indiana

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Ed Miller said:


… Every time I play, I learn something, win or lose. I'm not playing to win, I'm playing to improve, and the winning will take care of itself…

 

I have read others saying that this is how they look at the game.  I think it is something I need to get into.  It will improve my mental game and my overall game.

 

When I was first starting out there was so much to learn that it was hard for me to focus on much else at all.  Now that I am at more of an intermediate level and I am not as overwhelmed with stuff to learn(don't get me wrong I still realize there is a TON for me to learn but I don't struggle as much to calculate pot odds) it is easier to focus on the winning and losing and other things that are completely unrelated to poker.

 

I guess admitting that you have a problem is the first step towards recovery!  :) 
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