The role we play in society can affect different aspects of our lives - from work opportunities to how we play poker online. Are you a loner or a social person? An introvert or extrovert?
The way your personality comes through can change the way others react to your presence. Therefore, their attitude towards you is bound to change according to the image you reflect. And that has the potential to influence all kinds of events you face!
But how can your personality traits actually affect your poker session? Stay tuned and find out how those seemingly unchangeable factors can influence your poker career!
What is an Introvert and Extrovert?
Before we expand on the matter at hand, it is important to understand what makes one person an introvert and another an extrovert.
According to Simply Psychology, an introvert is a person who gets his energy from being on his own. An extrovert, however, is exactly the opposite – getting energized from being around other people.
Those personality types can control many aspects of a person's life. Introverts, according to experts, tend to prefer solo activities, preferring to focus on a single task at a time, analyze every situation carefully before they act or speak. They turn their focus inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and feelings.
Extroverts, on the other hand, are more prone to participate in group activities, as they feel energized by social interactions. They direct most of their energy outward, tuning in with their surroundings and paying attention to what's going on with other people in their vicinity.
Over the years, studies tried to gather empirical data to show the real difference between extroverts and introverts. In one study, for example, participants had to perform cognitive tasks while listening to music. Unsurprisingly, extroverted people did very well in this setting, while introverted excelled when they were in a quieter environment.
Who is Better at Playing Poker Online and Why?
Now that you know how introverts and extroverts differ, it is time to answer the most important question: what kind of person turns into the best poker player?
In theory, introverted players have the required personality traits to master the art of poker. Since they are highly observant, calculated, and careful – they have the potential to make smart choices at the table. Also, since introverted players can be quiet and restrained, they often don't have an issue putting on their poker face. However, since overstimulation can exhaust and confuse this type of player, introverts might feel more comfortable with online poker.
But when it comes to extroverts, they are expected to thrive in bubbly and dynamic settings, which is why they are more likely to enjoy live poker games. Music, social interactions, and lively surroundings suit this type of player more often than not. However, some believe that since extroverts can be exuberant and quick to share their thoughts and feelings, they might find it harder to hold on to their poker face.
So, at the end of the day, both types of players can become successful poker players in different settings. If you look at the existing pool of poker pros, you can find both extroverts and introverts dominating the poker tables. Daniel Negreanu is the perfect example of an extrovert player, as he tends to be rather outspoken and energetic while playing poker.
To represent the introverted camp, you have players like Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein, and others.
What Kind of Player are You?
At the end of the day, both introverts and extroverts can become poker pros. But each player has to be aware of how his – or her – personality can affect their poker play, so they will adjust their strategy accordingly. How do you think your personality will affect your game?