1. MUCK LUCK: Luck definitely plays a part in poker if you rely on it you won’t be a consistent, winning player. With the wealth of information, books and software out there there’s no excuse not to soak up any and every tips, strategy and lesson from the pros and take your game to the next level at this US Poker Room.
2. PRACTICE MAY NOT MAKE “PERFECT” BUT IT’LL MAKE YOU A HECK OF A LOT BETTER: Before I even had my sights set on tournaments or the WSOP I sat at a $1/$2 Hollywood home game, every week for a whole year. I learned SO much by listening, deciphering the poker lingo, watching other players and testing out different techniques and strategies. You can pick up information in a book, as I mentioned above but getting out there and playing, getting comfortable at a table, with rhythm of the game and learning by trial and error is equally as valuable.
3. POKER IS A ROLLER COASTER… RIDE IT WITHOUT BARFING: The ups and downs of poker are brutal. With just a turn of the cards you could be ecstatic or miserable. We love the rush that poker gives us but if you can find a way to remain emotionally neutral in a good OR bad situation it’ll serve you better in your overall game.
4. KEEP YOUR TRAP SHUT: For someone who got a lot of flack for being lippy at the 2008 WSOP, I actually almost NEVER talk at the poker tables. A good player will key in on EVERYTHING that you say and you may not even know how much information you’re giving away, about your hand, your experience, what kind of player you are etc. In general it’s a good idea to remain quiet at the table, keep that element of mystery about you and don’t give any other player the upper hand on you by blabbing.
5. CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR: Poker is complicated, exhausting, frustrating and nerve-racking enough as it is… then we personally add all of our own bad habits on top of that! Do whatever is necessary to cut back on your personal tendencies that inhibit your game. Leave your ego out of it, fight the desire to be impatient, let your brain take over when you have the urge to gamble or “get lucky”… keep your good qualities and the things that work and check the rest at the door.
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