Jared Tendler AMA

[Jared Tendler]

But speaking on tilt, that is one problem almost everyone can relate with. This subject has been discussed over and over with the same very general advice given, but what would you say to someone who says they have an issue controlling their tilt?

I would pepper them with questions, such as:

What are the situations where it happens? What are other spots where it doesn’t? What’s the difference? What’s the first sign that you’re on tilt? What cause it? Why do you think that thing is causing you to react that way?

The reality is that tilt happens for predictable reasons. The problem is that many people/players don’t know those reasons and all they here is “don’t tilt.” Well no shit, thank you for that amazing advice. If you’re going to solve a problem – any problem not just mental and not just a temporary fix but a permanent one – you need to understand the cause of it. Most people don’t take the time to really think about why they’re reacting in the way that they are, and only think it’s stupid to be getting pissed off. Sure it may be stupid, but it’s happening and thinking it shouldn’t bother you, or that you shouldn’t react that way, doesn’t change the reality THAT IT DID. So stop fucking around thinking you’re going to wake up one day a zen master and suck outs, mistakes, or running bad don’t bother you any more and get to work on really solving the problem.

/rant

I’m not like most therapist – and more like a coach. I’m understanding because it helps solve problems, but I also am not going to let people just live in a fantasy world.

[Jared Tendler]

What is the single best piece of advice you've been given or read that had the most impact on your poker game?

Well since I suck at poker – the best advice came when I met the crew from Stoxpoker back in 2008 in Vegas around the WSOP. In so many words I realized that I either need to take learning poker seriously or just keep it a hobby. I chose the later and decided to focus my time on getting better at what I do best.

[Jared Tendler]

Have you ever given advice to a famous poker pro?

On my mental game of poker podcast Phil Hellmuth was thinking about taking Adderall. Mike Matusow suggested he try it and I challenged him a bit on why that may not be the best decision he could make. Here’s a link to the podcast: http://jaredtendlerpoker.com/radio-p...il-hellmuth-2/. At the WSOP last year Phil talked about how he tried Adderall once during his first final table and it totally messed with him. He credited his bracelet win on not taking it.

[Jared Tendler]

which of the existing poker pros you think should read your book to improve their game? (who needs it desperately!)

Victor Blom could use a little help with tilt…

[Jared Tendler]

How important is one's health to be mentally sharp while playing poker? Do you think diet/exercise may be a leak that is often overlooked?

Important, but in terms of performance I think some people have overblown it’s importance. There is research that proves exercise and a better diet can increase energy levels. But it’s important for people to realize that if they make a change to either, there’s an adjustment period where they could actually play worse. But it’s a short-term investment to have more energy – which can allow them to play better/longer/recover faster/handle more mental crap/etc – in the long run.

[Jared Tendler]

Speaking of mental warming... I am studying a foreign language and I have seen that I need to relate to the language before I start my class, do you think this is something we all should do when wanting to play poker? Maybe sit out for a while and evaluate our competition can be considered warming?

Not for a while right before you play. A warm-up is designed to get you ready to play and shouldn’t be more than 30 minutes, and likely closer to 10-15 minutes for most players. But yes definitely do this, just don’t do it for that long.

[Jared Tendler]

I have a lot of trouble on focusing while playing poker, what's the best advice you can give me to not lose my focus and lose money while doing it? I have seen banners and just general chat keep me distracted sometimes and make me lose. Any exercise?

Set clear goals for the session, including working hard to recognize when your focus has slipped, and work hard to refocus each time. Focus can be a bit like a muscle. If you’re too relaxed with it, it gets weaker. If you push yourself to maintain focus at times that it’s hard, focus get stronger. Yes this is challenging, but so is building muscle in the gym.