Curious what everyone out there considers the most essential skills in winning poker. It makes me laugh a little how much the commentators will say "Great Read" or "Great Lay Down". To me the skills that are most important are 1) the ability to constantly change your strategy 2) a complete understanding of the odds. 3) The ability to act.

Once you fall into a trend as either a tight or loose player, the other two skills dont matter so much. Being able to shift gears constantly I think is what makes great poker players. I guess if you play with the same player(s) for years, you may be able to read better then others, otherwise it is overrated. I would like to see a 1 card stud poker tourney, where it is all about reading. Wonder if all the pros would do as good or better then in a hold-em one.

I think the "Great Reads" or "Great Laydowns" are more about odd calculations, and timing then some mystical ability to read someones mind. Daniel Negreanu is a little spooky sometimes, but he is also wrong alot. The part that you can read are trends more then body language or voice cracks.

Just my two cents. Would like to hear yours.