Jared Tendler AMA

[Pascal]

We're delighted to announce Jared Tendler will be doing an Ask Me Anything with us on the 1st of May between 6.00pm and 7.30pm ET (11pm to 12.30am BST) Well known as the leading mental expert in poker, he now coaches more than 250 poker professionals, including some of the top players in the world. He has a degree in Counseling Psychology and has been a mental game coach since 2005.

Some or most of you will have seen one of his training videos, or read one of his articles, or seen one of his forum Q&As. You can check out his podcast, articles and blog at www.jaredtendlerpoker.com and you can follow him on Twitter at @JaredTendler.

Jared's new book, The Mental Game of Poker 2, is released on the 23rd of April. Feel free to ask questions about the new book, his first book, (whether or not you've read it), your own mental game, or about Jared personally!

Looking to purchase his books? Buy them below:

The Mental Game of Poker: http://jaredtendlerpoker.com/shop/th...game-of-poker/
The Mental Game of Poker 2: http://jaredtendlerpoker.com/shop/th...me-of-poker-2/

---

Here is Jared's video intro for the AMA!

[kiwiMark]

Sick, the first book was great- and applicable way more broadly than just to poker.

[jyms]

This is the first AMA I am actually excited to see. Haven't read the second book yet. I don't really have any questions just wanted to say thanks Jared.

[Pascal]

Bump, don't want this getting lost. Feel free to get your questions in early to make sure they get answered

[kiwiMark]

apparently jyms and I are the only mentally unstable people on the forum and we're too deranged to come up with questions

[C_L1]

What is the weight that emotional intelligence plays in your book?

[Circuits]

How should I approach mentally warming up prior to playing?

[jyms]

How should I approach mentally warming up prior to playing?

I would spend some time imaging yourself jogging, think about doing some light stretches and then maybe spend some time imagining yourself playing at a 60% tempo. That should suffice, your mind should be limber as ever then

[Poker Orifice]

Want to say "Thanks Jared".
I'm about half-way through his first book.

[Pascal]

New book released tomorrow!

[HeyYou]

Hi! I haven't read your books yet, but I did order copies of both of them moments ago. I'm wondering what led you to become a mental game coach and whether or not you ever offered your counseling services as part of a private practice. Also, can you recommend ways for a stressed out person to avoid panic attacks and/or shorten their lengths? My anonymous friend wanted me to ask that one... Thanks!

[PabloPagla]

Jared, nowadays I am reading some minutes of your first book before each session. What kind of new stuff is included on the second one?

Have you ever played Poker and be able to avoid tilt and manage all the things you teach others??

Thanks!!

[FTR_Calendar]

We have less than a week before this event starts.

[Brian Boyko]

Jared, forgive me on this, but I haven't read the first book yet. Still, I hope you don't mind if I ask a question:

I have a serious block when it comes to playing in casinos. I regularly play in home games against very tough players - players who crush 1/2 and 2/5 NLHE and PLO, and play in bracelet events (though they've never won one, they have cashed...)

It's a $0.25/0.50 mixed game that includes rounds of $5/10 limit games and there are often straddles, double straddles, and occasionally triple straddles when we're all sitting on stacks of $300-400. And 5-card PLO/8 is in the mix as well...

But when I try to play even 1/2 NLHE in the casino, I get Scared Money Syndrome. Something about buying in for $200 and the possibility of losing it all to a poor play or a suckout bugs me, even though losing $200 in two buy-ins doesn't bug me at all. And before you ask, yeah, I'm properly rolled - even though I don't make my living from poker, I keep my poker funds separate and have 20 buy-ins for $1/2.

Some contributing factors are that the nearest casino is 6 hours away by bus/car, so if I end up going to the casino, and lose a buy-in or two, I feel like I not only pissed away money, but also pissed away a heck of a lot of time.

Am I just doomed to be stuck playing 50PLO and 100NL? Or maybe I should just switch to LHE/LO8 instead?

[The Bean Counter]

Hey Jared, thanks for doing this and I'm looking forward to buying the new book. Three questions from me if I may:

1) Sometimes I start a session a bit too "pumped up" and donk off a few buy-ins by being far too aggressive and assuming everybody is bluffing me - can you provide me with any tips for recognising when I'm in this frame of mind please or how to snap out of it quickly?

2) One other problem I have is being unable to profitably play a session length longer than 60-75 minutes without going into a passive frame of mind and making too many bad calls. Could you provide me with some advice on how to maintain my A-game for a longer, continuous period please?

3) Finally, which player (either online or live) would you say has the strongest poker mindset?

[spoonitnow]

Do you have a favorite story about someone tilting in a very outrageous fashion?

[Cruelsebastian]

Hello Very excited about this AMA. Your work is amazing Congratulations

Do you think you could take a total newbie in poker and make him a solid winner?

I know it's your book but would you recommended it to every single poker player out there?

If you had to say, what are the main differences between the first and second book?

[Esterno19]

I'm starting to read your book and I must say it is quite interesting. Really unique I must add! Here are my questions to you Jared

In your opinion what is the worst problem a player can show at the table (lack of...Focus, Confidence, Motivation)?

Do you still play golf?

Besides poker, do you use psychology in other games or situations in your life?

[Fix]

Hi Jared,

Just picked up your first book and if you dont mind I am gonna type some stuff out here as an exercise. And if you have any comments on the below I'd appreciate.

I can lose pots for a lot of money and smile and just not care as I realize that's just a part of poker. And unless 5 happen in a row and my bankroll takes a huge swing it wont really affect my emotional level to any serious degree. This has been achieved thru a lot of experience and not playing significantly out of my bankroll.

Recently a situation happened that got my emotion levels higher then they should be. As you note tilt is not sudden its a gradual process so I would like to explain the lead up to my heightened level of emotions---

First scenario: I opened MP, bunch of callers, kid squeezes, I call being deep after almost considering 4betting, someone behind me who originally called repops we all fold. (note: surprise squeezer was doing this light)
how i felt: was annoyed putting so much $$ into pot and not even getting to see a flop. slight tilt. I almost 4bet myself thinking he was squeezing light, but didnt and then someone behind me (who I am friends with) later told me they repopped it up light cuz they thought the squeezer was light. Had I made the right play, it would have been much better and as played this was the worst result I could of asked for.

injecting logic: There are 2 issues at work that I see 1) not going with your read/making a mistake and 2) being annoyed that someone squeezed light. (getting super annoyed with how the action goes down --usually stemming from a player doing something that doesn't fit my criteria).

Logic---
1) mistakes gonna happen, sometimes out of the blue, especially as you play more and more poker going without mistakes is not possible. Make note and learn from it. You need to learn to deal with mistakes and dismiss them without letting them bother your emotional levels to much (see section in book on why perfectionism is impossible).

2) Why cant a player choose to play however he wants and why does it have to fit your criteria? Stop being self entitled and so illogical! Occasionally hands like this going to happen and ideally they shouldn't trigger your emotions at all if you want to truly master the mental game.

Second scenario: I open CO, SB calls and same player squezes BB light and c/fs a flop . I end up winning an inflated pot thanks to the BB against the SB.

how i felt: indifferent/slightly happy as I won the pot but just thinking wtf this kid is 3betting in my head almost everytime I open.

fix: Although my emotions weren't changed, its pretty funny that I violate rule #2 once again. Thinking a player isn't entitled to take whatever option he wants in poker and even when I win profit from his mistakes I still think he isn't wise for choosing to target me like this in a live setting (as I am not the fish) but the fact is he can do whatever he wants and it shouldn't bother me one bit. As when I get position on him (being a much more experienced player then him can make his life just as much more hell once I get position on him). But the fact I want to get position on him and just own the shit out of him in future sessions might show my competitive drive (which I think is needed) or might show a leak in taking shit to personal. What do you think?

So when someone is 3betting me a lot IP in a live setting its a clear leak that I need to work on. I know some adjustments that I can make and hands that I can/cant defend but I more need to focus on my emotional tolerance for this. For some reason it really bothers me when I am going to constantly face light 3bets IP against light ranges.I've read sameoulus quote, and I think i just need to constantly monitor my emotions with this spot and examine it at a later time and keep injecting logic.

Third scenario: I open utg, he squeezes me in MP. I play back at him postflop. As for my post session analysis I am fine with cr flop light (was better for my range, and I think hes on a short bankroll) but should of c/f the specific turn card that came (okay to cr flop and barrel 90% turns but not this specific one). He ends up winning big pot with a rather speculative hand that he 3 blled.

how i felt: So overall during this time, I am thinking why is he 3betting me with this shit from these positions. Does he not realize I am better then him and I can make his life hell if he wants to really play me like this next time I am at the table. How dare he!!! Also I am very hard on myself for making a mistake and betting turn. 'I shouldnt of bet the turn, I therefore lost $XXX, do you know what I could of bought with XXX had I just played better.'

logic--- same as first one. 1) Mistakes going to happen, learn from them. 2) People can play however they want.

In a later session I see this player lose a lot and play bad, so its awakening to realize the money he wins he will most likely give it back. Do not be self entitled and do not think you can win every session because that's why poker is poker.

Lots of mental game leaks above . Did not realize it was soooo long, but any comments/advice you have on how I am approaching the mental side and my new journey to improve it.

[givememyleg]

Hi Jared,

Just picked up your first book and if you dont mind I am gonna type some stuff out here as an exercise. And if you have any comments on the below I'd appreciate.

I can lose pots for a lot of money and smile and just not care as I realize that's just a part of poker. And unless 5 happen in a row and my bankroll takes a huge swing it wont really affect my emotional level to any serious degree. This has been achieved thru a lot of experience and not playing significantly out of my bankroll.

Recently a situation happened that got my emotion levels higher then they should be. As you note tilt is not sudden its a gradual process so I would like to explain the lead up to my heightened level of emotions---

First scenario: I opened MP, bunch of callers, kid squeezes, I call being deep after almost considering 4betting, someone behind me who originally called repops we all fold. (note: surprise squeezer was doing this light)
how i felt: was annoyed putting so much $$ into pot and not even getting to see a flop. slight tilt. I almost 4bet myself thinking he was squeezing light, but didnt and then someone behind me (who I am friends with) later told me they repopped it up light cuz they thought the squeezer was light. Had I made the right play, it would have been much better and as played this was the worst result I could of asked for.

injecting logic: There are 2 issues at work that I see 1) not going with your read/making a mistake and 2) being annoyed that someone squeezed light. (getting super annoyed with how the action goes down --usually stemming from a player doing something that doesn't fit my criteria).

Logic---
1) mistakes gonna happen, sometimes out of the blue, especially as you play more and more poker going without mistakes is not possible. Make note and learn from it. You need to learn to deal with mistakes and dismiss them without letting them bother your emotional levels to much (see section in book on why perfectionism is impossible).

2) Why cant a player choose to play however he wants and why does it have to fit your criteria? Stop being self entitled and so illogical! Occasionally hands like this going to happen and ideally they shouldn't trigger your emotions at all if you want to truly master the mental game.

Second scenario: I open CO, SB calls and same player squezes BB light and c/fs a flop . I end up winning an inflated pot thanks to the BB against the SB.

how i felt: indifferent/slightly happy as I won the pot but just thinking wtf this kid is 3betting in my head almost everytime I open.

fix: Although my emotions weren't changed, its pretty funny that I violate rule #2 once again. Thinking a player isn't entitled to take whatever option he wants in poker and even when I win profit from his mistakes I still think he isn't wise for choosing to target me like this in a live setting (as I am not the fish) but the fact is he can do whatever he wants and it shouldn't bother me one bit. As when I get position on him (being a much more experienced player then him can make his life just as much more hell once I get position on him). But the fact I want to get position on him and just own the shit out of him in future sessions might show my competitive drive (which I think is needed) or might show a leak in taking shit to personal. What do you think?

So when someone is 3betting me a lot IP in a live setting its a clear leak that I need to work on. I know some adjustments that I can make and hands that I can/cant defend but I more need to focus on my emotional tolerance for this. For some reason it really bothers me when I am going to constantly face light 3bets IP against light ranges.I've read sameoulus quote, and I think i just need to constantly monitor my emotions with this spot and examine it at a later time and keep injecting logic.

Third scenario: I open utg, he squeezes me in MP. I play back at him postflop. As for my post session analysis I am fine with cr flop light (was better for my range, and I think hes on a short bankroll) but should of c/f the specific turn card that came (okay to cr flop and barrel 90% turns but not this specific one). He ends up winning big pot with a rather speculative hand that he 3 blled.

how i felt: So overall during this time, I am thinking why is he 3betting me with this shit from these positions. Does he not realize I am better then him and I can make his life hell if he wants to really play me like this next time I am at the table. How dare he!!! Also I am very hard on myself for making a mistake and betting turn. 'I shouldnt of bet the turn, I therefore lost $XXX, do you know what I could of bought with XXX had I just played better.'

logic--- same as first one. 1) Mistakes going to happen, learn from them. 2) People can play however they want.

In a later session I see this player lose a lot and play bad, so its awakening to realize the money he wins he will most likely give it back. Do not be self entitled and do not think you can win every session because that's why poker is poker.

Lots of mental game leaks above . Did not realize it was soooo long, but any comments/advice you have on how I am approaching the mental side and my new journey to improve it.

Jared sent us a video reply for this one:

[Fix]

Also regarding mistakes; I could of bought $XXXX had I done this instead. And the pitfalls of thinking poker in terms of opportunity costs/money instead of chips/bb's. Any comments/literature on this?

Thanks Jared. I think I clogged up this thread enough, so I will gracefully bow out.

[FTR_Calendar]

This event starts in less than 3 days.

[givememyleg]

Keep the questions coming, just one day until the AMA!

[givememyleg]

Would you mind giving a brief summary of your books and how important you feel the mental game to be when it comes to poker? I think most people just think of tilt control when it comes to the mental side, but there is much more.

[givememyleg]

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?

[givememyleg]

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

[LuckyAcer]

Have you ever given advice to a famous poker pro?

[NotFolding]

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

[givememyleg]

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?

[highcard]

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?

[highcard]

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?

[tommyd]

Hi Jared,
1) What do you think about personality types (introvert/extrovert) and their effect on people's poker game?

2) On the topic of books, having become a successful writer do read very much these days? If so what is your favourite novel?

[vendetta]

Hi Jared! I find strategy articles very useful, but sometimes very overwhelming. Is it possible for one to read and instruct by only reading one author? For example many online articles are written by different people and the approach is always different, I think this is what gets me confused. Do you think variety is good or should I stick to only reading strategy articles and advice from one author?

[mokingit]

do you think your book also can apply to any other mental and strategy game or only to Poker?

[Haunting]

As you start playing poker? How do you see yourself in 10 years?

GG

[Biazellag]

Do you think Poker is a game that can be taught (and learned by anyone), or requires some natural talent?

[Jared Tendler]

Do you think Poker is a game that can be taught (and learned by anyone), or requires some natural talent?

Anyone can learn, but not anyone can become winning poker players. Talent is definitely a factor.

[Jared Tendler]

Alllllrighty yall, I got head out for tonight, but I will be back to answer some other questions I missed tomorrow. Adios for now.

[givememyleg]

Alllllrighty yall, I got head out for tonight, but I will be back to answer some other questions I missed tomorrow. Adios for now.

Thanks, Jared! Really appreciate your time and awesome if you're able to return. The answers have been great!

[Pascal]

Alllllrighty yall, I got head out for tonight, but I will be back to answer some other questions I missed tomorrow. Adios for now.

Thanks so much Jared!

[dlbarlowe]

I know this may sound silly to some people, but I'm wondering if you can give me any advice about overcoming grief. I am over thirty and do not have biological children of my own. I think that is one of the reasons why I am so passionate about companion animals, including my own pets. Last Thursday, I had to make the decision to put the canine equivalent of the love of my life, my Labradoodle, Marcy, to sleep. Ever since, I've had difficulty sleeping, working...and not crying. I'm not a particularly emotional person so I don't know if I'm making up for opportunities where I haven't cried in the past or if I'm going nuts. Marcy is not the only dog I've held as she's gone off to heaven, but her loss has hit me harder than almost anything else has in recent memory. What can I do to get over this? I've tried vodka, but it hasn't worked as of yet...Thanks.

[Seriously...]

I have a habit with getting annoyed with other people's behavior when I'm playing poker. For instance, it drives me nuts when someone chews with his/her mouth open. Can you recommend some sort of meditation or something that can help me to politely ignore people whose habits annoy the crap out of me?

[Jared Tendler]

I have a habit with getting annoyed with other people's behavior when I'm playing poker. For instance, it drives me nuts when someone chews with his/her mouth open. Can you recommend some sort of meditation or something that can help me to politely ignore people whose habits annoy the crap out of me?

Why don't you ask them politely to chew with their mouth closed?

The other side of this is why does it bother you? Do you think it's rude? Is it just the sound? Understanding this can help you to come up with a phase that can help to keep you calm. There are often reasons why things bother us. Understand that and you might find some hidden expectations, or wishes that people would do what you want. By letting go of things you can't control - or by actually speaking up, you may find some inner peace with this even in the face of something annoying.

[Jared Tendler]

I know this may sound silly to some people, but I'm wondering if you can give me any advice about overcoming grief. I am over thirty and do not have biological children of my own. I think that is one of the reasons why I am so passionate about companion animals, including my own pets. Last Thursday, I had to make the decision to put the canine equivalent of the love of my life, my Labradoodle, Marcy, to sleep. Ever since, I've had difficulty sleeping, working...and not crying. I'm not a particularly emotional person so I don't know if I'm making up for opportunities where I haven't cried in the past or if I'm going nuts. Marcy is not the only dog I've held as she's gone off to heaven, but her loss has hit me harder than almost anything else has in recent memory. What can I do to get over this? I've tried vodka, but it hasn't worked as of yet...Thanks.

Very sorry to hear about this. I've had a few pets close to me die and I grieved both of their losses. I hadn't thought about one of them for a long time and today saw a dog that looked exactly like one, and made a me a little emotional. Anytime you have someone or something that you care that deeply it's going to be emotional to lose them.

Overcoming grief is not my expertise, but for sure lay off the vodka - that's only going to suppress your emotion which if successful would only hurt you in the long-run. I'm a big fan of writing rather than just experiencing emotion - so consider writing about what's in your head and heart. That may help you to work through and past your grief. You may also consider going to a therapist. While your grief may be completely normal - it could be helpful to get some feedback from someone with a lot of experience in this area.

Wish you well.

[kiwiMark]

Hey Jared,

One of the things I enjoyed most about your book is that the concepts you present, although you do a great job tying them to poker, are applicable way more broadly than that - obviously to sport and the like but really any area of your life that you're trying to improve has a mental game aspect. Have you considered writing for a broader audience or do you feel like you've found your niche with poker?

Thanks for the first book and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of the second

[Jared Tendler]

Hey Jared,

One of the things I enjoyed most about your book is that the concepts you present, although you do a great job tying them to poker, are applicable way more broadly than that - obviously to sport and the like but really any area of your life that you're trying to improve has a mental game aspect. Have you considered writing for a broader audience or do you feel like you've found your niche with poker?

Thanks for the first book and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of the second

Thanks Mark - appreciate the feedback! I love working in poker and will be around for the foreseeable future. But I have considered writing for a broader audience and am excited about the prospects of this. Haven't set a time frame for it, but I am beginning to research/brainstorm ideas for what it would look like. I'm not going to write a "Mental Game of Life" kind of book. I want it to be more broadly applicable and think I need an angle/hook that would resonate with people who may be skeptical about the value of my work.

Look forward to hearing what you think of the new book!

[FTR_Calendar]

Less than 24 hours to go until this event starts!

[FTR_Calendar]

Less than 12 hours to go until this event starts!

[Hippy80]

Hey Jared,

I've managed to get my hands on a copy of your second book (thanks Barry), and I'm trying to find time to read it, as I'm sure it's as good as the first one.
I write a daily article on Viktor Blom's high stakes action, and I've noticed he seems to have some issues with his mental game.
He seems to spiral out of control when he loses, and has been known to try and "play through the pain" and ends up losing massive amounts.
The thing is, his "A" game is amongst the best in the world at the games he has been playing. I think he may be chasing the respect of the poker community at large, as he has been getting negative comments from them for as long as he has been on the scene.
Do you have any advice I can pass on to Viktor, or any suggestions of the chapters in either book that may be worth him reading? I think his mental game may be the only thing stopping Viktor from being unstoppable, when he wins, he tends to win a lot, when he loses, he loses a lot. If he was to learn when to pull the plug (when's not on his "A" game) I think his earnings would jump accordingly.
I'd appreciate your opinion.

[Jared Tendler]

Hey Jared,

I've managed to get my hands on a copy of your second book (thanks Barry), and I'm trying to find time to read it, as I'm sure it's as good as the first one.
I write a daily article on Viktor Blom's high stakes action, and I've noticed he seems to have some issues with his mental game.
He seems to spiral out of control when he loses, and has been known to try and "play through the pain" and ends up losing massive amounts.
The thing is, his "A" game is amongst the best in the world at the games he has been playing. I think he may be chasing the respect of the poker community at large, as he has been getting negative comments from them for as long as he has been on the scene.
Do you have any advice I can pass on to Viktor, or any suggestions of the chapters in either book that may be worth him reading? I think his mental game may be the only thing stopping Viktor from being unstoppable, when he wins, he tends to win a lot, when he loses, he loses a lot. If he was to learn when to pull the plug (when's not on his "A" game) I think his earnings would jump accordingly.
I'd appreciate your opinion.

Hey Hippy!

That's great - hope you enjoy the new one.

Actually, I'd say if Viktor could learn to keep his emotions from spiraling that would be the ideal. There's no doubt in my mind that one of the reasons he is so successful is the intensity that he brings to the game. The problem is that intensity can also have a darker side which can cause difficulty. Intensity at that level exaggerates any hidden flaws within his mind. You're suspecting that he's chasing respect - without speaking to him I'm won't speculate about what it is. But it also could be as simple as being ultra competitive and not being able to handle losing well enough.

I would suggest he reads chapter 3 of TMGP as he might benefit immediately just from knowing more about the reality of Emotions. Then to read the opening sections to each type of tilt to figure out what flaws are blowing up. The key to a good solution is a good assessment of the problem. Aside from that, have him contact me for coaching

[GhostPants]

1) Who would you say was the most interesting guest ever at your podcast?

2) What was your longest ever online session?

[Jared Tendler]

1) Who would you say was the most interesting guest ever at your podcast?

I've been fortunate enough to have a lot of great guests. My interview with Krantz a few weeks ago was awesome - I really enjoyed talking with him. Can't really say who was the most interesting - most were so for different reasons.

2) What was your longest ever online session?

An hour...? Honestly don't remember it was over 2 years ago now. I never really played much. But I do regularly grind 10-14 hour work days.

[rong]

Hey.

I think it might have been mentioned already, but I also struggle to maintain focus for long periods of time, for me approx 45-60 mins online multitabling and I start to lose focus.

What can I do to extend the time I can play for and secondly reduce the time it takes me to recover, which us currently approx 30 mins.

Thanks

[Jared Tendler]

Hey.

I think it might have been mentioned already, but I also struggle to maintain focus for long periods of time, for me approx 45-60 mins online multitabling and I start to lose focus.

What can I do to extend the time I can play for and secondly reduce the time it takes me to recover, which us currently approx 30 mins.

Thanks

#1 eliminate your current C-game. May sound strange to say, but a major reason that players can't play very long is because they have to think to hard. Every decision you make burns energy and the harder the decision the more you burn. So if you want to be energy efficient, you have to be able to make the easy decisions even easier. Beyond that - push yourself like you're in the gym trying increase speed, strength or endurance.

[YoYo]

What kind of impact do you think events like the Boston Marathon bombing and school/theater shootings have on children? Do you have any advice re how subjects like these should be discussed with youngsters so that they're not afraid and don't become desensitized?

[Jared Tendler]

What kind of impact do you think events like the Boston Marathon bombing and school/theater shootings have on children? Do you have any advice re how subjects like these should be discussed with youngsters so that they're not afraid and don't become desensitized?

Depends on the age of the child - but PTSD can happen to children/adults of any age. I do think a big part of how kids react is a function of how the adults in their lives react - especially younger kids. How much they're discussed with a child is something that has to be determined by that child's parent. They know them best and have a sense of what they can handle. This an immensely important area and honestly not one I've studied that much. Plus I don't have kids yet, so I lack that perspective as well.

[mrickett]

Can you briefly touch on how your career developed into what it is today? I'm interested in the journey. Was mental health counseling something you were into before you discovered the poker niche, or was it poker itself that pushed you in that direction to begin with?

I really feel your area of expertise can and should be applied to all aspects of life, have you considered diversifying and trying to help people with other areas of their life?

[Jared Tendler]

Can you briefly touch on how your career developed into what it is today? I'm interested in the journey. Was mental health counseling something you were into before you discovered the poker niche, or was it poker itself that pushed you in that direction to begin with?

I really feel your area of expertise can and should be applied to all aspects of life, have you considered diversifying and trying to help people with other areas of their life?

Poker was pretty random. I don't know if I would have thought about it on my own. I was working with golfers, after getting a license in mental health counseling when I met Dusty Schmidt on the golf course. He was the one that opened the door for me in poker. I didn't dive right in, but the more I hung around the bigger the opportunity I saw and the more poker clients that I started to work with.

I have thoughts of diversifying, but nothing immediate. I'm 34 and plan on working for another 40-50 years, so I have some time...

[FTR_Calendar]

Less than 6 hours to go until this event starts!

[Art1]

1) Who is the greatest english poker professional?

2) What is the last good event you went to?

[dlbarlowe]

If you won millions in the lottery, would you continue to work?

[Jared Tendler]

If you won millions in the lottery, would you continue to work?

Absolutely. I could be a 30 year old retirey. Retirement it seems isn't great for your health and longevity: http://www.freakonomics.com/2012/05/...place-podcast/

I need to be challenged/interested/motivated and winning the lottery wouldn't give me anything other than opportunities to be challenged in different ways. I probably would do a lot more work with people who can't afford my hourly since I wouldn't be concerned with money. But honestly what I would do if I won the lottery isn't something I think about anymore.

[cr4zybe4utifu1]

Who has been your favorite professional player to coach?

Do you have any memorable coaching moments?

What exactly is counseling psychology?

[Jared Tendler]

Who has been your favorite professional player to coach?

My client list is confidential and I can only mention the people who have already made it known that I work with them. So, sort of a small list. But I've had a lot of fun working with Lex Veldhuis and Dusty Schmidt. The Steinberg bros also we're alright to coach too

Do you have any memorable coaching moments?

Many. Favorite thing is that moment in a session when a client "gets it." Although I'm not 100% at that time that they're mental game will be fundamentally different from that point forward, I suspect that it will - as do they and it's pretty damn cool.

What exactly is counseling psychology?

I'm assuming your wondering about my degree. Basically it's the educational and practical experience needed to be capable of doing one-one, group, or family therapy or counseling. Clinical psychology is another type of degree, but it's a bit more research based, in terms of education. I wanted more practical. Did I answer what you were asking?

[FTR_Calendar]

Less than 2 hours to go until this event starts!

[Pascal]

10 minutes til go time!

[Jared Tendler]

And it's go time.

What up party people - I'm really not that cool, it's just what came to mind.

FTR, great to be here. You already have a lot of solid questions, which I'm going to just get right to.

Game on!

[Pascal]

Welcome Jared!

[Jared Tendler]

Sick, the first book was great- and applicable way more broadly than just to poker.

Thanks! I’m always curious about this, how did it help you outside of poker.

I probably just broke the first rule of AMA, but I’m guessing that’s not like breaking the first rule of fight club.

[givememyleg]

I probably just broke the first rule of AMA, but I’m guessing that’s not like breaking the first rule of fight club.

you're fired.

[Jared Tendler]

you're fired.

Damn. Ok, well I'm guess that's the record for quickest exit. At least I have that parting gift.

[Jared Tendler]

What is the weight that emotional intelligence plays in your book?

I haven’t really thought about my book in those terms before, but thinking about it now, I’d say that my books help to raise your emotional IQ by helping you to understand the nature of emotion, the ways that hardwired believes affect emotions, and how you can resolve/solve them. Anger, fear, low motivation, and over- and underconfidence are the big ones that I address. I don’t have hard evidence for this, but anecdotally the people who really worked with the book are smarter in how the react and handle their emotions. Not a quick fix or instant knowledge. Although some things may immediately strike you.

[Pascal]

you're fired.

[Jared Tendler]

What is the weight that emotional intelligence plays in your book?

I haven’t really thought about my book in those terms before, but thinking about it now, I’d say that my books help to raise your emotional IQ by helping you to understand the nature of emotion, the ways that hardwired believes affect emotions, and how you can resolve/solve them. Anger, fear, low motivation, and over- and underconfidence are the big ones that I address. I don’t have hard evidence for this, but anecdotally the people who really worked with the book are smarter in how the react and handle their emotions. Not a quick fix or instant knowledge. Although some things may immediately strike you.

[dlbarlowe]

I've got to run, but wanted to say thanks for doing this, Jared! I've gotten a lot out of your responses!!! I'll be sure to check in tomorrow to see what I missed. Thanks, again!