Poker Strategy: Poker Psychology

The power of the mind in poker: There is no spade.

It’s well-known among poker enthusiasts that using psychology to get inside the head of your opponents can really give you an edge over them. What some people forget though is that it’s equally important, if not more so, to understand how your own psychology plays a role in your results. Many people who have solid overall strategies nevertheless fail to live up to their potential as players due to a lack of emotional control. Tilt – including “winners tilt” – the desire to get “unstuck” while in the midst of a losing session, playing while tired, and off-table habits can threaten your ability to earn a profit from poker. The articles below discuss some of the psychological problems that affect poker players and ways of dealing with them. Before long, you’ll be able to make calm, dispassionate decisions, and you’ll therefore be able to play your A game for extended periods of time.




3 Extremely Useful Methods to Recognizing a Read

Babysitting Blunders: How Not to Treat New Players

During my time at the tables, I've had a chance to observe an extensive amount of human behavior. Thanks to the growing popularity of the game, I'm seeing more and more diverse personalities sported by players operating on a variety of skill levels. But with the ever-expanding pool of competitors, I find many of my brothers and sisters who've been around for a while are forgetting some of the cardinal rules of the game. I'm talking, specifically, about the treatment of new players at the tables. It happens both at live events and when surfing through the online card rooms. There are veterans (and even more who think themselves to be veterans) who, by carrying themselves in a certain fashion, do themselves a disservice and consequently reduce their own level of play.
Poker Goals

Poker Goals

the importance of setting proper goals in poker, cautioning against monetary objectives due to their unpredictability and potential to negatively influence gameplay; instead, it advocates for achievable, volume-based goals that don't compromise decision-making
Poker Bad Beats And You

Poker Bad Beats And You

You have a pretty looking hand and your opponent has a funny, lopsided looking hand and you’re happy to see that all the money goes in the pot. The end. Everything after that is just an illusion taking your focus away from a truth in poker. You’ve made the...
Psychology of a Tilting Player

Be Vito, not Cyclone Hart

illustrates the psychological aspects of winning, emphasizing that both the "coward" and the "hero" feel the same emotions but react differently, and relates this to the mental challenges faced in poker tournaments, particularly after the bubble bursts
Away From the Felt

Away From the Felt

the significance of factors outside the poker table that contribute to a player's success, emphasizing the importance of studying the game, controlling tilt, maintaining physical health through diet, exercise, and sleep, and the benefits of consistency in one's daily routine for optimal performance
Poker Bad Beats And You

Dealing With Bad Beats

the inevitability of bad beats in poker, emphasizing that they are a part of the game, often reinforcing poor play in some players, and highlighting the psychological stages players go through when faced with such situations, from anger to indifference
Poker Goals

Avoiding Tilt

the significance of recognizing and avoiding tilt in poker, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks, understanding the emotional triggers, and implementing strategies to maintain optimal gameplay and mental well-being
Poker Goals

The PokerJanitor’s Philosophy

author's personal approach to poker, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice, unpredictability, learning from televised poker (with a discerning eye), staying true to one's personality at the table, and handling intimidation and losses with resilience and a growth mindset “Well,” she said, “I've always wanted to get good at poker. Could you teach me?” So, rather than simply tossing “Super System 2” in her lap and watching the NFL playoffs, I'll spend some quality time teaching her how to play. That shows what a caring guy I am, right? I think so, at least. Also I get to eat homemade bread. What's not to love?
Poker Goals

Bless the Beats

how to handle and recover from poker losses, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks, reflecting on gameplay decisions, avoiding sharing bad beat stories, maintaining a positive attitude, and the significance of resilience and returning to the game with renewed focus
Psychology of a Tilting Player

Tilt and Why

the psychological aspects of tilt in poker, highlighting how humans inherently link failure with self-worth, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing these emotions in real-time during poker games to prevent irrational decisions and maintain optimal gameplay
Away From the Felt

Comfort Zone

We've all fallen prey to the common ills of online poker – playing while you're too tired, playing for too many hours, forgoing meals or hydration, or sitting at the table with too many thoughts swimming in our heads. Here are a few simple tips that are guaranteed to make you feel better at the digital felt.