The upcoming US elections might be one of the most dramatic historical events in the country's recent history. The talked-about presidential debate and the recent assassination attempt make this year's elections the hottest topic of the season.
When watching the presidential candidates in action, many people have commented on the candidates' speaking abilities, their confidence, and overall performance. Not surprisingly, some of the qualities people look for in their next president have a lot in common with successful poker players.
What can the US presidential candidates learn from the best poker players in the world?
First and foremost, when poker players choose their strategy, they often move between playing passively and aggressively. No experienced player sticks to the same gambling strategy forever, as using both options too often can lead to major losses.
Poker pros like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey have mastered the art of the poker face. A calm and collected demeanor, even when players don't have a strong hand, can still lead to victory. In a political debate, the politicians must learn how to remain cool under pressure and adopt a poker face in front of the public, so their constituents don't lose faith in their ability to lead the country.
But that's not all! Successful poker players also learn to rein in their emotions to avoid tilting. Learning what makes players tick and what can cause their emotions to spiral and send them on a rampage is important if players don't want to lose control and say goodbye to their money. The same rule applies to politicians: unless they learn to control themselves, they will eventually 'tilt' and their emotions could lead them to make disastrous decisions.
Last but not least, those who want to play poker consistently and win more often must stick to a clear strategy and try to minimize any deviations. When poker players don't have a clear plan, they tend to lose their focus and act irrationally at the first sign of hardship. But those who know what they're doing stick to their gambling strategy while keeping in mind the fact that they might lose a hand, but they are more likely to win the big prize at the end of the day.
When it comes to politicians, the voters look for someone consistent they can trust. Someone who doesn't change his opinion based on what the public wants to hear, sticking instead to the beliefs that guide him in life. Being that kind of role model and showing people that you believe wholeheartedly in what you have to offer to the people will make voters gravitate towards them.
In Conclusion
Poker is a very strategic game, which is why anyone who wants to go into politics can learn a lot from the best poker players out there. Let's hope the US presidential candidates best use their strategic skills to show the public they can be trusted!