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Copyright 2007 Full
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January 06, 2006
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Poker Lessons)
Poker Lesson: Looking at the Long-Term
Author: Erik Seidel
Tournament
poker can be a very tough business. No matter how good you
are, you're bound to encounter long periods where things don't
go well. On the tournament
circuit, even the best players can go several months - or even
a couple of years - between significant cashes. These dry spells
can be tough to deal with if you don't develop a solid mental
approach to the game.
I think the down times are particularly difficult for younger
players who have some success early in their careers. They come
to expect great results and can become overwhelmed when things
go badly in a long string of tournaments. They may grow frustrated
and are apt to assume they're making mistakes. They make changes
in their games
that aren't well thought out, and they suffer because of it.
To endure the long, tough stretches, serious players need to
understand that bad runs are inevitable. They're part of this
business. And while there's something to be said for going into
every tournament
with a positive attitude, it's also important to be realistic.
If you expect to win every tournament
you enter, the disappointment that accompanies repeated bust outs
could be very damaging to your psyche. I know that early in my
career, my confidence suffered when I went through a rough stretch.
Over time, however, I learned to focus my attention in productive
ways. Now, when I'm playing in a tournament,
I concentrate on making the best decisions I can. I try to approach
every hand in a thorough and effective manner. If my focus is
good at the table, I can be honest with myself as I assess what
I'm doing well and where I need improvement. I'm not likely to
fall into the traps that ensnare other players. Many refuse to
admit mistakes and insist that a bad run is due to bad luck alone.
Others believe they're playing well when their results are good,
even though they're playing poorly and are benefiting from a great
run of cards.
After a tournament is over, I'm quick to remember that tournament
poker requires the temperament of a marathoner, not a sprinter.
If I play well and consistently make good decisions, I'll be rewarded,
though it may be a long time before I see the results I'm looking
for.
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